Business Mar. 04, 2010 - 06:42AM JST ( 3 )

Barneys Japan Co, the operator of the Barneys New York store chain in Japan, said Wednesday it will open a new store in Kobe on Friday as the fourth retail outlet in Japan and the first in western Japan.
   
The 2,800-square-meter store will occupy the first two floors and the basement of a commercial complex in the city’s posh shopping district, which was once an enclave for foreign residents.
   
The retailer, which has stores in Tokyo’s Ginza and Shinjuku areas and in Yokohama, will offer a range of ritzy merchandise from apparel and interior goods to gift items, including those from internationally renowned brands.
   
Barneys Japan President Naoki Nakamura said at a news conference at the new store, ‘‘We would like to bolster customers’ satisfaction by discerning their needs beforehand and offering merchandise accordingly.’‘
   
‘‘We also want shoppers to enjoy an elegant atmosphere through our decorated windows and the shop’s interior,’’ he said.