Zara, the fashion chain that has stores all around the world, was inspired by the film “Zorba the Greek” starring Anthony Quinn.

According to the company’s communications director, Jesus Echevarria, owner Amancio Ortega decided to name his first shop Zorba after seeing the 1969 film. The location in which he planned to open up the store, unfortunately, was only two blocks away from a bar with the same name. The bar’s owner didn’t like the idea, Echevarria told The New York Times in an interview.

“They had already made the moulds for the letters in the sign, so they just rearranged them to see what they could find. They found Zara,” he said.

Going on more than 30 years later, Zara has become one of the most well-known fashion brands. Ortega is listed as the third richest person in the world, having a net worth of $53.6 billion.

Greek Reporter

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