As department store David Jones prepares for its New Zealand debut, Australian company RM Williams has also opened its first stores here. Vuppalapati said sales and interest in the Wellington store had exceeded expectations, with a number of younger shoppers, and significant sales in footwear a surprise. It has 50 stores in Australia, two in London and two in New Zealand, and was planning another 15 stores in the coming year. The company, renowned for its leather accessories and footwear, opened in Wellington last month and opened a flagship store in Auckland's Queen St on Saturday. Founded: 1932 by Reginald Murray WilliamsNumber of stores: 54Stockists: More than 900- NZ Herald

Source: New Zealand Herald July 17, 2016 16:52 UTC