What: Louis Vuitton announced the opening of a home furnishing and interior design store in Shanghai, a first for the French luxury brand.

Why it is important: The brand is looking to expand the range of products it offers to its wealthy Chinese customers. The store will be accessible by appointment only, making it a new attempt in private retailing.

The store is located in a building near Nanjing Lu, the city's main high-end shopping street.

Louis Vuitton plans a trial period of a few months before making a decision on whether to make the store permanent.

Louis Vuitton tests its first home store in Shanghai