Luggage brand packs for growth with funding boost

A premium luggage brand is targeting further international growth after securing new funding facilities to support stock management and product expansion.

London-headquartered Carl Friedrik has agreed inventory financing support from trade finance and working capital provider Treyd and global bank HSBC.

The backing will help the firm manage stock levels across multiple markets and retail partners, while supporting the growth of its popular Aluminium collection, with new products planned later this year.

Founded in 2013 by brothers Niklas and Mattis Oppermann, Carl Friedrik sells carry-on and check-in cases, briefcases and backpacks through its website and premium retailers including Bloomingdale’s, Harrods and Selfridges.

The company has also opened stores on Regent Street and in Covent Garden during the past two years, strengthening its physical retail presence.

Carl Friedrik’s products have appeared in TV shows including Succession, The White Lotus and Industry, and the brand also has a licensing partnership with the Atlassian Williams Racing Formula 1 team.

The business, which employs around 40 people, previously raised £3.1 million through a customer-led crowdfunding model earlier this year.

Mattis said: “Building the brand has taken a lot of hard work, including finding the right positioning and using a blend of partnerships and a direct-to-consumer channel to drive sales. 

“Our products finding their way into some hit TV shows has certainly helped along the way. 

“We now have a loyal set of customers and visibility via physical stores in London, plus concessions in some of the world’s most famous department stores, helping us to find new fans. 

“We’re ambitious and have plans to bring the brand to more consumers by expanding our North American retail presence.

“Having Treyd and HSBC behind us means we can move with confidence – whether that's committing to a larger inventory order or jumping on an opportunity we'd otherwise have to pass up.”

Peter Beckman, co-founder and chief executive of Treyd, which was founded in Sweden in 2020 and launched in the UK in 2022, added: “Niklas and Mattis have created a stunning Scandi-inspired, British luxury brand that is wowing customers across the world. 

“But for Carl Friedrik, the big risk isn’t a lack of demand but not being able to quickly mobilise the stock to serve customers. 

“After enjoying sustainable growth over the past decade, the company clearly has exciting times ahead and our funding will help it manage the unique demands of operating in the global retail sector.”

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