Louis Vuitton joins Westfield mix

SYDNEY: International luxury retailer Louis Vuitton has chosen Westfield Bondi Junction as the site of its first non-CBD store in Australia.

The store, set to open in 2009, will feature leather goods and accessories but will not showcase the brand's ready-to-wear apparel or footwear line.

The move follows the recent announcement that the brand also intends opening a store at Westfield London.

Louis Vuitton Ocean CEO Phillip Corne said the move represented an new direction for the company.

"To date our presence in Australia has concentrated on city centre locations. The move to Bondi is an exciting new direction for Louis Vuitton in Australia and consistent with company strategy."

The signing was the latest in a long-standing relationship between Westfield and the luxury brand which already operates stores at four key Westfield sites through the US.

The brand currently operates several Australian stores in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane and Cairns.