David Jones to open first overseas store

David Jones is preparing to open its first overseas store in New Zealand.

The 178-year-old Australian department store chain, acquired by South African retailer Woolworths two years ago, will open its Wellington store on July 28.

The store will feature a new look already rolled out at DJ's Eastland store in Melbourne and its flagship store at Pacific Fair on the Gold Coast.

The Wellington store will house a premium cafe and the company plans to introduce a number of new brands to NZ, including popular international beauty labels Tom Ford and Benefit.

The retailer has taken over the lease of the 152-year-old Kirkcaldie & Stains department store, which is struggling financially, at Lambton Quay in Wellington.

David Jones will add another 10 stores to its existing 40 over the next five years.