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Smack in the middle of the worst recession since the Great Depression, one of the design world's most high-priced retailers plans to open at the Galleria in Edina.
Louis Vuitton will open its first free-standing store in Minnesota at the Galleria sometime next spring. The retailer also has a boutique in the Macy's in downtown Minneapolis.
With its iconic LV logo, the Paris-based company is known for its high-end luggage, handbags and other leather goods, as well as accessories such as watches, jewelry and sunglasses.
Its wares are not for the recession-battered: sunglasses sell for $400 to $600, handbags are priced at $1,000 and some monogrammed hard-sided luggage pieces go for more than $6,000.
High-end neighbors
The Louis Vuitton store joins other national luxury retailers at the Galleria, including Coach, BCBG Max Azria, Cole Hahn and Bang & Olufsen as well as many upscale local independents.
The store will be across from Tiffany's near Pottery Barn. It replaces StyledLife and Fifth Avenue Optical, which both moved to larger locations in the mall.
The New York office of parent company LVMH Group didn't respond to requests for additional details.
JACKIE CROSBY
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