Franks Bazaar

Cospicua was the commercial centre of Malta in the late 19th century. All merchant and navy ships used to berth in Cospicua Docks. Prior to opening his first shop in Cospicua, Salvatore Abela started his business selling shaving accessories to British and American sailors from his cart. Since his name, Salvatore, was difficult to pronounce, he was nicknamed “Frank”. Salvatore opened his first shop on Cospicua Waterfront in 1893.

First Shop In Malta

Salvatore had 6 sons. One of the sons, Vincent, recognized the potential rooted in retail at the time and realized it would develop in Valletta. So, in 1915, he opened his own store selling cosmetics, toiletries, kitchenware and toys.

As his brother had already opened a store in Cospicua, called ‘FRANKS’, Vincent was almost forced to change the name of his store due to legal issues. This problem was soon resolved once Vincent named one of his sons Frank!

When Joseph took over

After the 2nd World War, business was taken over by one of Vincent’s sons, Joseph Abela. Joseph gave the business a new dimension, which was fundamentally in the import & wholesale distribution of luxury goods.

FRANKS taken over by Lauro Abela

In 1979, after completing his studies at the university of Malta, Lauro Abela, the only male offspring, started working in the company, assisted by his sister Marisa. This coincided with a total rebuilding of the shop in Valletta. With the re-opening of the store after a year of reconstruction, FRANKS started to establish itself as a top retailer of luxury fragrances and cosmetics.

Opening of Plaza

Opening in Republic Street

Following the visibility and success of the two stores, FRANKS was approached by the owners of The Energy Complex in Republic Street in Valletta to take over an area on the second floor of the complex. This became very popular immediately, and the following year it was transferred to the ground floor entrance. In 2015, this store moved a few doors down road and is now operating in a shop in conjunction with Gajet.

Opening in Rahal Gdid

This year was very busy indeed. A year when FRANKS was redecorating the outlet in Republic Street and setting up a completely new store in the main shopping area in Paola.

Opening in Bay Street

Baystreet Shopping Centre was considered as the millennium project in the heart of the nightlife area of St.Julians. The project was a great success and FRANKS played an important role in the development of a new concept in shopping ideas.

Opening in Mosta

After eight years of consolidation, FRANKS embarked on a grand concept in the heart of the town of Mosta.  A large area of  556 square meters  was divided into a shop in shop complex based on the idea of a concept store, complete with perfumery, coffee shop, jewellers, wine boutique, card shop and clothing shop, spread over two floors. Unfortunately, this shop has been re dimensioned and now occupies the ground floor of the Cornerstone Complex.

Opening at The Point

2010 is the year when FRANKS was contacted by the management of The Point shopping center in Tigne to open a perfumery in this grand modern shopping center. Once again, FRANKS became one of the anchor tenants of this center which attracts thousands of customers all year round.

Opening Franks Gentlemen’s Essentials @ The Plaza

The Wine Boutique previously located in Mosta was relocated to form part of the refurbished Plaza outlet. This gentlemen’s haven expanded its offering to include the rare and the marvellous in the male universe.  In late 2017, the Boutique was rebranded and named “Franks Gentlemen’s Essentials” as it became the leading shop specialising in items relating to today’s modern gentleman such as barbering services, leather goods, cigars and fine spirits.