Brazilian fashion label Farm Rio has embarked on an ambitious expansion strategy, starting with the opening of its 1,200-square-foot flagship store on Rue Vieille du Temple in Paris’ vibrant Marais district.
Fabio Barreto, CEO of Farm Rio Global, the brand’s international operations arm, sees the Paris opening as a significant milestone following successful ventures in major French department stores since 2021. The brand’s warm reception in Paris reflects a shared affinity for “joie de vivre” between Brazil and France.
Designed by the brand’s architectural team and Brazilian architect Camila Urbanetto, the store features a distinctive hand-painted mural by British artist Daniel Bland, showcasing animals from Brazil’s Atlantic coastal forest. Furniture crafted by artisans from Ilha do Ferro in southern Brazil adds to the store’s unique ambiance, dedicated to showcasing Brazilian culture and creativity.
Barreto emphasized Farm Rio’s commitment to collaborations that enhance its market presence, citing partnerships with local brands like Sézane and longstanding relationships with Adidas and Havaianas. The Paris store will highlight the brand’s international women’s apparel offerings, including a special print titled “Tropical, Mon Amour.”
The store launch coincides with Farm Rio Global’s accelerated growth strategy, driven by strong international sales that reached 117 million euros outside Brazil by the end of 2023. E-commerce accounts for over half of these sales, with wholesale contributing 45 percent and the brand’s retail stores comprising the remaining 5 percent.
Looking ahead, Farm Rio plans to expand its footprint across key global cities, with upcoming openings slated for Brooklyn, Washington D.C., and Dallas. The brand aims to open approximately 10 stores annually, projecting a growth rate of 25 to 30 percent per year.
With plans to bolster its presence in Saint-Tropez and expand into the Middle East starting with Dubai, Farm Rio is poised for significant global expansion under Barreto’s leadership. Future initiatives include exploring opportunities in Asia and expanding product categories such as footwear and accessories.
As Farm Rio continues to define itself on the international stage, its Paris flagship represents a pivotal step towards solidifying its position as a global ambassador of Brazilian fashion and culture.