The fusion of Italian design with American comfort is a hot topic in the furniture industry, and one CEO is spearheading a new initiative to bring the best of both worlds together.
Moreno Modolo, CEO of CD Italia, is set to launch M&M Italian Design this summer. This initiative will create a multi-channel distribution network featuring a variety of “industry operators and ambassadors of Italian design,” along with a new network of franchise distributors. Modolo describes M&M Italian Design as an “authentic Italian version of the acclaimed French model Roche Bobois,” merging Italian style with American craftsmanship to streamline logistics and reduce costs from Italy to the U.S.
“Sometimes, you need to go through a lot of projects before you identify something of national interest,” Modolo says. With his extensive experience dealing with European vendors and aiding dealers, he believes there is a significant market for this design style in the U.S.
Since becoming CEO of CD Italia in 2015, Modolo has represented Italian and European furniture brands across the United States, establishing partnerships with over 500 U.S. partners. This experience led to the creation of the M&M Italian Design business model. The first franchise store will open in southern Florida this year, with plans to expand into Texas, California, and beyond.
“I know the distribution system here in the U.S.,” Modolo states. “We have several partners ready to become M&M Italian Design franchisees, with the first located in Miami, currently finalizing its showroom. By partnering with top American manufacturers, M&M offers premium Italian-design pieces, locally crafted in the U.S., ensuring accessibility to luxury furniture that combines Italian sophistication with American reliability.”
M&M represents a lifestyle collection deeply inspired by Italian design, while CD Italia features a portfolio of independent Italian design companies, each with unique collections. “CD Italia serves as a prominent representative and consolidator of high-level Italian companies, each with a distinct identity,” Modolo explains. “M&M Italian Design curates the finest Italian style furniture sourced from U.S. manufacturers nationwide.”
The M&M Italian Design website details the franchise program’s key features, including quality control, marketing, IT solutions for streamlining sales, financial management, and inventory. M&M will also assist franchisees with developing and managing marketing campaigns and promotions for each region, including grand opening events, a website, and social media accounts. Additionally, the company plans to provide comprehensive training and standards for accounting, reporting, human resources, and customer service.
“We are proud to offer a retail franchise opportunity to motivated entrepreneurs who share our passion for fine furniture,” Modolo says. “Through our extensive manufacturing network, we select a range of U.S.-made pieces to supply to retail franchisees through our distribution center, ensuring a meticulously curated catalog of furniture available in local markets across the country.”
Stay tuned as M&M Italian Design brings the elegance of Italian craftsmanship and the comfort of American design to a store near you.
