Bettina Liano’s first New York store is opening within days meanwhile its Chapel Street boutique in Melbourne will be shutting its doors after the lease expires at the end of this month.

The lease will be not renewed, instead Liano will review the Melbourne market before reopening in a new location later this year, a possibly somewhere in the CBD.

“The location and fit out of the store has dated,” Liano said. “It’s very nostalgic, being my first flagship store; my kids grew up there. I can’t thank the people of Melbourne enough and I can’t wait to come back again.”

Liano also plans to focus her attention on the US market and online for the next few months.

“We have experienced growth online,” she said.

“I’m focusing on a different strategy to build up sales. The American market understands my product, and I’m sure I will do well there and online.”