The French luxury fashion house Christian Dior has officially opened its first store in Western Australia, marking a significant milestone for the brand in the region. Located on Murray Street within the historic Queens building, the store spans 850 square meters and is the largest luxury retail outlet in Perth to date. The two-floor establishment features an extensive range of womenswear and menswear ready-to-wear collections, alongside leather goods, jewellery, and watches.
This opening was anticipated to occur in August 2024, but construction approvals led to notable delays. Retail expert Gary Mortimer commented that the arrival of global brands like Dior indicates a growing interest in the Perth market. “I think there’ll be a lot of interest. I suspect your Dior shopper that’s based in Perth would often fly to Melbourne or Sydney to access these types of high-end products,” Mortimer said. He emphasized the importance of the in-store experience for luxury purchases, stating that consumers typically prefer shopping in person for high-value items.
Strategic Location in Competitive Market
Dior’s new store is strategically situated directly across from competitor Chanel and near its sister companies under the LVMH umbrella, including Tiffany & Co and Louis Vuitton. Mortimer noted that consumer spending data reveals over 15 percent of all expenditures in the City of Perth is allocated to specialised and luxury goods, making it the second largest category after dining and entertainment.
Despite the ongoing cost of living crisis, Dior appears poised to capitalise on Western Australia’s mining wealth and the local appetite for luxury items. “One of the benefits of luxury retail is that it is insulated from the cost of living crisis. If you’re spending $800 on a pair of shoes and $3,000 on a handbag, you’re not too worried about paying the rent or your mortgage,” Mortimer explained.
The Rise of Luxury Retail in Perth
The opening of Dior’s store follows a recent trend of high-end designer brands establishing a presence in Perth, with Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels both launching their stores in August 2024. This influx of luxury retail options highlights a shift in the market, as consumers increasingly seek premium shopping experiences closer to home.
The store’s interiors were designed by Dior’s architecture team in Paris, ensuring a luxurious and cohesive brand experience. As Perth continues to evolve into a hub for luxury retail, the arrival of Christian Dior signals a new era for shopping in the region, attracting both local and international clientele eager to engage with the brand’s offerings in person.
