The Eureka Fripe Story
Five Decades of Second-Hand Passion
A journey through the decades—from our first sales at the Clos St Marc market to becoming a global industry staple that inspires designers and supplies vintage stores across five continents.
1974
At the dawn of the 70s, at just 18 and a half years old, Bernard Graf began his professional journey.
Not destined for higher education and after completing his military service early, he borrowed 500 francs from his father and set out to sell the uncollected clothes from his parents’ alteration shop at the Clos St Marc market.
With business in his blood and strong ambition, the successful experience gave him wings...
1976
Bernard acquired his first shop premises near the market square in Rouen.
A true haven for trendy young people, this innovative boutique for the time was the ancestor of the concept store.
Bernard sold unsold vinyl records he managed to buy from Pathé-Marconi, as well as second-hand clothes he sourced — including flared printed trousers and long fur coats for men.
The same year, success was such that he opened a second shop.
1978
Now managing three second-hand shops, the entrepreneur realised his time was precious. Sourcing items one by one was too time-consuming.
Little by little, he travelled the world in his van in search of the most interesting lots, negotiating directly with rag collectors.
His determination and courage paid off, gradually opening doors to the largest factories in the world.
The trucks returned full. As soon as they were purchased, the goods were immediately sold to the biggest second-hand traders at the Saint-Ouen flea market.
Young Bernard became a reference point for the veterans. He closed his shops to focus on his new activity.
The rag traders of Eureka Fripe were born.
1979
Opening of his first 250m² warehouse on Route de Darnétal.
1980
Relocation to the second warehouse on Rue des Bons Enfants in Rouen.
Clothes arrived by the container load from all over the world, and the first customers began to flock in.
His trade gradually evolved, and his passion for business grew stronger.
Always in search of tomorrow’s trends, the stock grew quickly.
1988
Bernard quickly realised the commercial potential of second-hand clothing for private customers.
He invented the concept of selling used clothes by weight.
The first Kilo Shop was born in Rouen that same year, in the courtyard of the warehouse on Rue des Bons Enfants.
1990
The Kilo Shop adventure continued under the name Per Gram Market.
Bernard expanded his concept to the Japanese market.
1996
Building on the success of his Kilo Shop stores, in 1996 he launched his Parisian concept store Kiliwatch.
At the cutting edge of second-hand fashion and upcycling (School Rag), the brand quickly became a legendary and unmissable spot on the Paris fashion scene.
2005
Eureka became a thriving company, attracting clients from all over the world.
Asia, America, Europe and even Oceania: as a renowned wholesaler, Eureka supplied second-hand shops across the globe.
Fashion designers came to seek inspiration there.
2020
Eureka ventured into upcycling, offering major retail chains collections made from transformed second-hand clothing.
2023
With 50 years of experience, Eureka is now one of the major players in the global second-hand industry.
A stock of more than 15 million garments, subsidiaries on every continent and over 80 shops worldwide.
