Combining ceremonial and contemporary fashions in children's wear, Petit is established in 14 company-owned and franchised retail outlets across Italy. Since 2000 the company has also been developing an international franchise network, and currently operates franchised locations in Austria, Belgium and Saudi Arabia.

"We are the only franchise to combine ceremonial and fashion children's wear in the world and have developed two franchise retail concepts to suit smaller and larger markets," reveals General Manager Dino Corinna. "Our 'n°1 boutique' concept is a fully fitted retail shop concept suitable for cities with a minimum population of 300,000, while our 'n°2 boutique' is a 'shop-within-a-shop' concept. As well as our current season's products, shops in larger markets can offer the previous season with discounts between 30 and 50 per cent."

Petit has developed four product lines comprising 600 items: Petit, Daniela, Les Garçons and Piccolissimi. "The lines are targeted at ages 0-12, and primarily satisfy the ceremonial niche," adds Corinna, "firstly by means of introducing traditional dress, then with the production of elegant clothes with various uses. All lines are manufactured in Italy."

Petit exports its lines to outlets in Athens, Moscow, Tripoli and New York, but is concentrating on expanding its franchise operations across Europe, targeting every major city with over a 300,000 population. Corinna reports: "We are offering boutique licences for exclusive territories as well as Master Franchise licences for whole countries in Europe."