Welcome! Gilbert & Frech partners with independent tradesman to bring you original designs.

Gilbert & Frech, LLC
PO Box 190
Kipling, NC
27519

For all inquiries, please contact us at
Email: service@gilbertandfrech.com

Background

Gilbert & Frech partners with independent tradesman from around the world in designing, manufacturing, marketing, educating, and distributing original designs to discerning customers.

Operates ecommerce retail and advertising.

Jewelers, craftsmen, artisans, weavers and other tradesman.

Philosophy

People want items that are hard to find. Items that are original, at a good price, with a curiosity about the craftsman, how it was designed, and how it was made.

Type: Private; Headquartered in Cary, North Carolina.

Founded: 2000

Industry: Art; Clothing, Shoes, and Accessories; Crafts; Health & Beauty; Home & Garden; Jewelry & Watches; Pottery & Glass

Products: Art; Clothing, Shoes, and Accessories; Crafts; Health & Beauty; Home & Garden; Jewelry & Watches; Pottery & Glass

Slogans: "Unique á la You”, “Originals”, “Be Original”

Advertising Campaign: The international trading company capitalizes on its often misspelled company name - Gilbert & French – by subtle French remarks and themes.
With unique hand-crafted items available for limited times from independent partners, “Be Original”, is the company’s most prominent advertising slogan.

History

Company founder Robert Frechette became captivated with the development and commercialization of the Internet in the mid-1990’s. With a background in healthcare administration, the company originally provided a repository of online healthcare news but quickly started selling products on eBay after a used PalmPilot was sold. After numerous issues with brands and licensing, jewelry products were imported where customers were not particularly looking for brand names. The jewelry business provided a foundation from which other corresponding products became developed and sold online. Today, in addition to jewelry, other products include loose gemstones, beads, jewelry making supplies; clothing; accessories such as handbags; shoes; and a complete home furnishings category.

The company partners directly with over a dozen highly-skilled tradesmen in more than six countries to bring consumers truly unique items. Customers enjoy the advantages of this relationship while each craftsman earns fair-trade and unparallel exposure to the world market.

The company operates in four segments:

1. Retail (including bulk purchasing)
2. Outlet (clearance, overstock, and auction)
3. Merchant Services (direct selling, wholesale, contracting, and licensing)
4. International (Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Germany)
5. Advertising (Google Adsense, Paid Placement, Sponsors)

Merchandise is currently sold on multiple channels.