Louis Vuitton has opened its first travel store in the southern hemisphere at Sydney Airport (SYD), as anticipated.

The unique location sells a wide range of premium women’s and men’s ready-to-wear shoes, leathergoods, accessories, watches, jewellery and fragrances.

In addition, Gentle Monster has cut the tape on its first store in the region at the airport’s T1 International Terminal.

It brings the total number of luxury stores at SYD to 16, bolstered by the likes of new doors for Celine, Dior, Gucci and Valentino.

Once complete in mid-2023, the precinct will house 20 of the most prestigious luxury brands.

Sydney Airport’s Executive General Manager Commercial Mark Zaouk said: “I’m delighted to welcome six new stores to the luxury precinct in the second phase of our ambitious retail strategy to secure the world’s best luxury brands and deliver Australian firsts to passengers travelling through Sydney Airport.”

Tiffany & Co., Cartier & Versace to follow…

The phase two openings follow the arrival of Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, Burberry, Bulgari, Hermès, Loewe, Moncler, Prada, Rolex and Saint Laurent earlier this year.

Tiffany & Co. is due to open towards the end of this year, with Cartier and Versace set to open in the luxury precinct by mid-2023.

In addition, Heinemann Tax & Duty Free is planning an expanded offering that fuses the largest assortment of luxury brands in one space in Australia.

“Following a challenging few years for the travel industry, it’s great to see passengers heading overseas once more and I’m thrilled we’re able to deliver a luxury offering as part of their unique experience at Sydney Airport,” added Zaouk.

“With 16 luxury stores now open in T1 International and a further four to open at the end of 2022 and mid-2023, we’re on track to offer the largest and most extensive collection of luxury travel retail anywhere in the southern hemisphere.”