T Galleria by DFS unveils refurbished Auckland heritage store at NZ Fashion Week

The Customs St store has been renamed to T Galleria by DFS. Photo / Supplied

Luxury duty-free retailer T Galleria by DFS will today debut its new-look interior at a NZ Fashion Week event following a year-long refurbishment.

The refurbished store, formerly trading as DFS Galleria, is housed in heritage building Customs House on Auckland's Customs St.

It is set to hold a Kiwi fashion designer showcase on the interior staircase of the store featuring labels Stolen Girlfriends Club, Kathryn Wilson, Zambesi and Benjamin Alexander to celebrate the renovation and New Zealand Fashion Week.

Kiwi artist Otis Frizzell has also designed a pop-art installation which will be on display for three months.

Inside the newly renovated T Galleria by DFS. Photo / Supplied

Store renovations took place across six phases and have modernised the interior of the department store and preserved period elements which have been turned into historical displays.

DFS has also introduced 40 new luxury brands to the store such as Tom Ford, Versace, Bulgari and Blancpain, which were previously not available in New Zealand.

DFS president Robert Calzadilla said Hong Kong-based DFS Group's gallerias offered a more relaxed retail environment compared to its airport stores.

"Our gallerias offer a more relaxed environment than airports, where customers can browse for longer and take full advantage of all the incredible services we offer, such as beauty treatments," Calzadilla said.

T Galleria by DFS is located in Customs House on Auckland's Custom St. Photo / Supplied

"Our gallerias represent a new generation of the downtown retail experience."

Last year 160 million travellers visited DFS stores throughout the world.

T Galleria by DFS is one of 20 downtown stores and 11 airport stores it operates.

DFS Group operates more then 420 retail stores.