By Patrick Avenell
Upmarket American homewares retailer Williams-Sonoma will open its first Australian stores in Sydney in May 2013.
In addition to this outlet, company will also open Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids and West Elm stores — all in the newly constructed Exchange Building at Bondi Junction Mall.
Speaking from Williams-Sonoma’s San Francisco, California, head office, a spokesperson said an acceleration of online ordering from Australian prompted this move.
“Since we first started shipping internationally to Australia, Williams-Sonoma has had a lot of business, so we decided to take the business to Down Under,” the spokesperson said.
“As far as products go, we are not certain which items these stores will carry.”
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Williams-Sonoma currently stocks a range of mid-to-high-end appliances in its 255 US and Canadian stores. Brands include Breville, Kenwood, Nespresso, Miele, Philips Saeco, KitchenAid, Vitamix, Magimix, Cuisinart and Williams-Sonoma’s eponymous house brand.
Pottery Barn and West Elm are more focused on furniture and homewares and do not carry broad appliance ranges.
Williams-Sonoma describes itself as premium retailer focused on providing the highest levels service to customers.
“The first Williams-Sonoma store opened in 1956, selling a small array of cookware imported from France.
“Since then, the brand has expanded to hundreds of products from around the world, more than 250 stores nationwide, a direct-mail business that distributes millions of catalogues a year, and a highly successful e-commerce site. What has never changed is Williams-Sonoma's dedication to customer service and strong commitment to quality.”
A great development for local retail? Another threat to the market? Tell us what you think