The southern region is the third largest in the franchise, with 14.9% of franchise units, and Rio Grande do Sul holds 5.2% of them. Porto Alegre is the second largest representation in the region, with 1.8% of franchise operations. Already in the national ranking, composed of 2,243 cities, the state capital is among the top ten, ranking the 7th position. The data are from the Associação Brasileira de Franchising (ABF – Brazilian Franchising Association).

Already established in Rio Grande do Sul with ten units of Morana brand, Grupo Ornatus continues its expansion plan in the region and search for new investors for the Morana and Balone networks. In late 2015, the two brands have opened operations within Salgado Filho Airport in the capital city. Currently, there are 15 operations of women accessories segment in the state.

"Because of the growth and consolidation of Morana in the state, we keep on believing in the potential of the region and also in the expansion of Balonè. Currently, whoever is capitalized may make excellent investments to reap the rewards in the long run", says Márcio Ucha, Expansion coordinator of Grupo Ornatus.

The brand has a strong presence in São Paulo and attracts consumers who seek the very latest trends in the fashion world. There are 83 units in operation in Brazil, of which 35 are exclusive brand stores and the other 48 are in the Love Brands - co-branding of Balonè, Imaginarium and Puket - created for cities with 50,000 to 250,000 inhabitants.