Williams-Sonoma expanding global reach

HTT Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 8/22/2012 12:25:40 PM

San Francisco - Williams-Sonoma Inc. is ramping up its international expansion efforts with the opening of four nameplates in Australia early next year.

The high-end home furnishings retailer has signed a lease for approximately 22,000 square feet of retail space to house four of its brands - Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, and West Elm - at Sydney's newly constructed Exchange Building at Bondi Junction. These will be the first retail locations outside of North America to be owned and operated by Williams-Sonoma Inc.

"This global expansion opportunity reflects the strength and appeal of our brands and will serve to drive our business over the long-term," said Laura Alber, president and ceo.

Additionally, the company will be opening the first Williams-Sonoma, PBteen and West Elm stores in the Middle East later this year.

Outside North America, Williams-Sonoma Inc. operates franchise stores in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates. In addition, its direct-to-consumer operations ships to from than 95 countries.