A family business from the very beginning.
It was April the 11th 1948 when Carlo and Kyra Casagrande-Marsh opened their first gift store at Hertensteinstrasse 35 in Lucerne.
Milestones
11th April 1948, the beginning
Carlo and Kyra Casagrande-Marsh open their first store in Lucerne. They start with 80 swiss francs in their pocket.
First business
At first the young couple sells brass items in the shop at Hertensteinstrasse 35. They import the goods from England, Kyras mother country. Carlo distributes the merchandise to other swiss retailers.
Starting with souvenirs
With many US Soldiers travelling Switzerland as tourists, Kyra adds more and more gift items to the selection. As Kyra speaks their language, her customers feel understood and well-advised.
Welcome to St. Moritz
Because of the very short tourist season, that only lasts from Mai until September, Carlo and Kyra decide to open a store in St. Moritz.
Royals and Hollywood Stars
Besides that every customer is treated like a king, actual royals such as the Shah of Persia and Queen Sirikit of Thailand are served by Kyra. Alfred Hitchcock, Walt Disney and the Agnellis find their way to Casagrande.
First Product Brochure
The publishing of the first product brochure was a real Milestone. The younger son of Carlo and Kyra plays his part in it already.
Kapellgasse 19
The first main store is opened at Kapellgasse 19. The selection includes souvenirs and watches.
John Casagrande
John Casagrande, the older son of Carlo and Kyra, is joining the company after his studies in Zuoz. By developping the information system from scretch, he delivers a crutial contribution to the future success.
Kapellgasse 24
With a steady growth of the company, the unique opportunity to lease the building at Kapellgasse 24 is more than welcome. The new location offers enough space to extend the selection continuously.
Robert Casagrande
Robert Casagrande, the younger son of Carlo and Kyra, is joining the company. He is responsible for the sales staff and procurement.
2nd Generation
John and Robert Casagrande take control of the company in the second generation.
Main customers
Customers mainly come from the United States of America. and Hummels figurines are in high demand.
Veronica Casagrande
Veronica Casagrande, joins the company. She is responsible for the planning of shifts for the whole staff, a delicate challenge due to the diversity of the team.
Opening of Grendel 6
The new flagship store at Grendel 6 is opened. This location is to be the new headquarter from now on.
Raffael Casagrande
Raffael, Johns older son, supports the company regularely with valuable advice on information systems, as he is a computer specialist.
