US apparel brand J Crew has opened its online store to Australians and Asians, effective today. 

The move expands its offer from 29 countries currently to 107 in five continents with transactions accepted in 41 local currencies.

From today the company will ship direct to customers in Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Macau, Maldives, Nepal, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan and Thailand.

“We are on a mission to provide customers around the world with the best-of-the-best – we have created an experience that is equally as rich online as in store and are excited to introduce J.Crew to new customers worldwide,” said Millard Drexler, chairman & CEO of J.Crew Group.

In the last decade, J.Crew has gained international attention through quality, timeless design and world-class customer service. From its partnerships with European mills and fabric houses to its renowned Italian cashmere and tailored Ludlow suiting, the company says it has built a loyal following all over the world.

To celebrate the global launch, J.Crew will be offering its international customers (outside of North America) an introductory offer including free shipping and returns as well as duty-free shopping for a limited time.

J Crew’s online move is a prelude to expanding its bricks and mortar store network into new markets. After giving customers access to its entire women’s, men’s and children’s range online, it will open specialty stores in selected markets in Asia and Europe over the next two to three years. Customer response to the online offer will help it talor its range to the market and prioritise markets for store rollouts.

Currently the company has 265 retail stores in the US and one in Canada.