David Jones has announced it will open the doors to its first international store in New Zealand on July 28.

David Jones Wellington represents the first David Jones store to open outside Australia in the department store’s 178-year history. The store will feature the same contemporary, internationally awarded design that debuted at Eastland shopping centre in Melbourne last year. This new format David Jones was also recently launched as a new flagship at Pacific Fair on the Gold Coast.

“We are well underway with the internal refurbishment of the beautiful building we will occupy on Lambton Quay and we look forward to opening a flagship store in the heart of New Zealand’s thriving capital, Wellington,” said David Thomas, chief operating officer, David Jones.

“We’re dedicated to delivering a world-class department store in Wellington and are confident we will exceed expectations when we open in July. 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.”

Thomas said central to the design of the Wellington store is, “enhancement of the customer experience with inspiring spaces and dynamic visual merchandising”.

The store will operate across three floors and offer a mix of fashion, beauty, accessories and home items. The department store plans to introduce a number of new brands to the market including international beauty brands Tom Ford and Benefit. It will also house a premium cafe in the store.