Melbourne’s king of furniture ‘here to stay’ after 60 years in the business

Legendary Melbourne furniture salesman Franco Cozzo has said he has “no plans to sell” his business after more than 60 years in operation.

Mr Cozzo has been selling opulent chairs, bedheads and tables from his eponymous stores in Footscray and Brunswick since 1956.

His energetic television commercials throughout the 1980s made the humble businessman a Melbourne icon.

Despite the 1088 square-metre Hopkins Street store being today listed for $7 million, Mr Cozzo told 9news.com.au he wants to remain part of the furniture.

“I need this building, because Footscray is my life,” he said.

“I have been here my whole life, and I’m not leaving.”

The eighty-two year old confirmed he has “no plans to retire” and said his furniture business will stay in the family.

“I’m still very, I’m confident I will live a long time.”

“My family, my kids, who will keep in the furniture business. They will remain in the furniture business too.”