His late-night television advertisements have inspired countless imitations, he has a band named after him, has starred in a film with the late Mark ‘Chopper’ Read and has made ‘‘Foot–a–scray’’ famous.
But after half a century selling furniture in Footscray, Franco Cozzo is preparing for his very own ‘‘grand sale’’.
The renowned spruiker-turned-cult figure has put his 1088-square-metre Hopkins Road premises on the market. The site is expected to attract significant interest from residential and commercial developers.
After arriving from Italy on Australia Day 1956, Mr Cozzo went door to door selling electrical appliances, despite being unable to speak English. He soon went into partnership in a furniture business in Collingwood and later opened his own stores in North Melbourne, Brunswick and Footscray.
Mr Cozzo initially advertised on Melbourne radio. But it was his television commercials, which are still on the air, that made him a household name.
Spoken in three languages – English, Italian and Greek – the advertisements have become ingrained in Melbourne’s popular culture and a hit on social media, including the catchphrase “megalo, megalo, megalo”, a Greek word meaning, large, great or grand.
Mr Cozzo, 78, said it was time to slow down. But don’t mention the word retirement.
The Footscray and Brunswick stores will continue trading in the short to medium term.
“I don’t intend on retiring. Inside, I feel young, but I’m not any more,” Mr Cozzo said.
“The people of Footscray have given me great support for many years and I have beautiful memories. I still come to work every day, and the customers, they always want to see me.
“I’ve been part of the community and Footscray has been part of me, but it’s time to relax a little more.’’
Kelemen Commercial salesman Joshua Charteris said there had already been solid interest in the property from developers and investors, but he would not disclose whether an asking price had been set.
“It [the site] is ideal for apartments or a mixed-use development because it’s close to trains, central Footscray and the Melbourne CBD,” he said.
Maribyrnong mayor Grant Miles said Mr Cozzo’s effervescent personality and memorable advertisements had broadened awareness and interest in the area.
“Even my 10-year-old son knows the ad,” Cr Miles said. “[Mr Cozzo] is a Footscray icon.”
