Oct. 26 (Bloomberg) -- Salvatore Ferragamo SpA, the Italian luxury company, said it wants its new online shop to be one of its “top stores” starting next year.

The online service will initially be available to shoppers in Italy and the U.K. and be extended to other European countries and the U.S. in coming months, Florence-based Ferragamo said in an e-mailed statement today.

Ferragamo, founded in 1927, had 550 points of sale worldwide as of July, including standalone stores and concessions in department stores. The company is now joining other luxury-goods operators including Bulgari SpA and Prada SpA in offering an online option.

Ferragamo is known for making shoes for Greta Garbo, Marilyn Monroe and, more recently, Jennifer Lopez. Customers can buy the company’s python-skin, 5.3 inch heeled Plateau Pumps for 850 euros ($1,278) on the site.

To contact the reporter on this story: Armorel Kenna in Milan at akenna@bloomberg.net

Last Updated: October 26, 2009 07:57 EDT