The company began manufacturing automobile accessories in 1949. It expanded into home furnishings in 1963. It was founded by
Giulio Castelli. Kartell became well-known due to the work of designer and architect Anna Castelli Ferrieri. The company opened its first store in the
United States in 1998, when a Kartell U.S. outlet opened on Greene Street in
New York City. Ivan Luini, president of the U.S. division at that time, oversaw the opening of additional stores in
Miami,
San Francisco,
Atlanta,
Boston and
Los Angeles. Kartell's retail marketing strategy is to stock items in various styles and colors at prices that appeal to impulse buyers. The company grosses $100 million per year. In addition to its stores, Kartell furnishings are sold by more than 150 independent retailers in the United States. At the time of his death, Luini was in discussions for Kartell's plastic furnishings to be used in a hotel chain being designed by
Philippe Starck. The company is a subsidiary of
Felofin. ==Gallery==