Roanne’s “Marcel” wants to take a step forward - L’essor 42 - November 6, 2020
Les Tricots Marcel, which relaunched the Roannais tank top in 2019, are diversifying into sweatshirts and shirts.
In a book about cult objects published by Editions Ouest-France, it stands shoulder to shoulder with other renowned products from France. "Along with the Weston moccasin and the Lacoste polo, we are among very beautiful brands", says Thomas Sardi proudly. In January 2019, this forty-something from St-Léger-sur-Roanne relaunched the famous "Marcel", which once thrived the local textile industry, in a retro and high-end niche. Under the Tricots Marcel brand, the illustrious tank top, knitted, dyed, and made in Roannais, is experiencing a true renaissance.
Besides the undershirts, its flagship product, the company has launched complementary products, made locally, in an eco-friendly and solidarity-driven approach: sweatshirts produced at Ithac (Riorges), shirts under the "La Forestière" brand, announced by December, bags. While the web represents 80% of its revenue, the company has also developed a network of sales points in Roanne, Nantes, Brive, Vienne, Avranches, La Rochelle, Thonon-les-Bains, Nice, Carpentras, and Cluny. "In February, we are going to do commercial tours to densify our network of boutiques", announces Thomas Sardi.
