News & Transactions

December 21, 2016

Cross Pen Maker Seeks Revival with Flagship Store

The 170-year-old company that makes Cross pens opened a flagship retail store Wednesday at its new Providence headquarters.

Gov. Gina Raimondo and other dignitaries attended a ribbon-cutting for the new A.T. Cross Co. store at 299 Promenade St.

CEO Robert Baird says the company's recent move from suburban Lincoln, Rhode Island, to the Foundry complex near downtown Providence is part of a broader strategy to boost talent and reinvigorate the luxury pen brand.

The 170-year-old company that makes Cross pens opened a flagship retail store Wednesday at its new Providence headquarters.

Gov. Gina Raimondo and other dignitaries attended a ribbon-cutting for the new A.T. Cross Co. store at 299 Promenade St.

CEO Robert Baird says the company's recent move from suburban Lincoln, Rhode Island, to the Foundry complex near downtown Providence is part of a broader strategy to boost talent and reinvigorate the luxury pen brand.

Rhode Island has offered the company $1.9 million in incentives based in part on plans to add 35 new jobs in coming years. Baird says he previously considered relocating to Connecticut but preferred staying in Rhode Island, where the company was founded in 1846.

Most of its pens are now manufactured in China. It's owned by New York private equity firm Clarion Capital Partners.

News Source: Turn to 10