The Brenninkmeijer family name identifies C&A, the German fashion retailer founded by brothers Clemens and August Brenninkmeijer.
Clemens and August Brenninkmeijer opened their first textile business in Sneek, in the Netherlands, in 1841. The initials C&A come directly from their first names. The company later expanded across Europe and became known for selling ready-to-wear clothing at accessible prices.
The Brenninkmeijer family’s business interests are associated with COFRA, a privately held group that has included C&A and other investments. C&A’s historical roots are Dutch, even though the retailer became strongly associated with Germany and has operated in many European markets.
A frequent error is treating C&A as an acronym for a German phrase or as a company founded in Germany. The letters refer to Clemens and August, and the brothers began the business in the Netherlands. The retailer’s long history predates modern fast-fashion chains such as H&M.