David Jones opens new Wellington store

The wait is over for Kiwi shoppers as Australian retail giant David Jones opened the doors to its new Wellington store this morning.

Its new shop on Lambton Quay is in the building which once housed the venerable Kirkcaldie & Stains department store.

David Jones is offering its New Zealand customers the opportunity to shop a range of international brands including Camilla and Marc, Shona Joy, Aesop, Hardy Amies and Tom Ford, aswell as local designer brands Twenty-Seven Names, Karen Walker, Kate Sylvester, Saben, Rodd & Gunn, Trelise Cooper and Sabatini.

Last month the Herald reported that the new store would also be offering "personal shopping services" and VIP suites.

Guests at last night's David Jones opening in Wellington. L to R. Julian and Fatima Savea, Jessica Gomes, Saskia Hartmann-Hechenberger and Ardie Savea. Photograph by Norrie Montgomery.

The store opening marks David Jones' first international expansion, a significant moment in the store's 178-year history, company chief operating executive David Thomas said.

Thomas said: "Customers can expect an exciting mix of local and international brands in a premium environment with a comprehensive range of services.

"We are bringing a truly special retail experience to this cosmopolitan city."

Retail NZ has welcomed the arrival of David Jones, citing the opening as good news for shoppers and retailers alike.

"The fact that David Jones has chosen Wellington for the site of its first international store is a real vote of condidence in the future of the New Zealand retail market, and that of Wellington in particular," Retail NZ general manager Greg Harford said.

"David Jones is the latest in a a steady stream of international stores to be opening up in New Zealand, bringing new brands and new offerings to consumers."

Harford said the arrival of international brands like David Jones in Wellington and Zara in Sylvia Park would have a positive effect on retailing.

"In the case of David Jones, it will be a real drawcard for shoppers coming to downtown Wellington, and we expect it will add to the vibrancy of the CBD," he said.

The store will be the first in New Zealand to offer renowned labels Balenciaga, Alexander McQueen, Valentino and Saint Laurent.

The exterior of the new David Jones store in Wellington. Photo / Norrie Montgomery