Indeed, following the end of conscription and the resulting drop in the budget, several companies had to specialize. In February 1996 after Jacques Chirac announced his intention to professionalize the army, that Franck Douville decides to radically change course, and to get closer to his initial vision for his company. But at this date, the company was a simple military surplus and still offered decommissioned equipment, which did not suit the vision of Franck Douville, who subsequently made a major decision for the future of the company.

The USMC catalog became known among the French soldiers, and the company was able to develop and open the first store in the 11th arrondissement of Paris in 1992. Although the name USMC was the acronym for Uncle Sam's Military Catalog when the first catalog was released, it was mostly chosen in reference to the famous United States Marine Corps for their speed and excellent ability to fulfill their missions on all theaters of operation. Originally, Franck Douville called his company USMC and began by purchasing surplus military equipment from the 'Domaines', which he then sold wholesale or retail through a paper catalog. Welkit was founded on October 10, 1989, by Franck Douville in Meudon, near Paris, in the garage of his parents' house.

History 1989вЂ“1995: the beginnings as a military surplus

1.5 2018: privatization of the e-commerce site.

1.3 1998: launch of the e-commerce site.

1.1 1989вЂ“1995: the beginnings as a military surplus.

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