Kohl's, Inc.

By Suzy Stewart, DHR International

It appears that 2010 was a real turning point for retailers going to the outside to find experienced and talented omnichannel executives.

Menomonee Falls, Wis. -- Kohl’s Corp. reported Thursday that profit for the fourth quarter dropped 7.9% to $455 million, from $494 million a year earlier, as the retailer experienced unexpected revenue declines during the holiday selling period.

Kohl's reported that total sales dipped 0.3% to $6.02 billion in the period, and same-store sales dropped 2.1%. It was the chain’s first revenue decline in three years

Pottsville, Pa. -- North Plainfield, N.J.-based Levin Management Corp. announced that Michaels Stores has leased 22,000 sq. ft. at Fairlane Village Mall in Pottsville, Pa.

Levin is the leasing and management agent for the property, which is owned by Ashok Mehra. Michaels’ commitment comes on the heels of a lease by Kohl’s Department Stores, reflecting momentum for the 405,000-sq.-ft. property.

Kohl’s will be opening its new 57,860-sq.-ft. store in early March.

MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis. — Kohl’s Department Stores announced that it has partnered with fashion designer Dana Buchman for an exclusive line of Kohl's Cares cause merchandise. The product line includes apparel, accessories and gifts, which can be found in all 40 Wisconsin Kohl’s stores and online at Kohls.com, with 100% of the net profit donated to support the fight against breast cancer. The collection is available now through the end of April.

MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis. — Kohl’s Department Stores announced that it has entered into a purchase agreement to build a new e-commerce distribution center located at I-35 and Centre Park Blvd. in DeSoto, Texas. Expected to open in summer 2012, upon completion the approximately 951,000 sq.-ft. building will fulfill Kohls.com purchases. Kohl’s will close on the agreement once the building process is complete.

Menomonee Falls, Wis. -- Kohl’s Department Stores said Tuesday it will build a new e-commerce distribution center in DeSoto, Texas, outside Dallas.

The 951,000-sq.-ft. DC, which is slated to open in summer 2012, will fulfill Kohls.com purchases. Kohl’s said it will close on the agreement once the building process is complete.

Menomonee Falls, Wis. -- Kohl's Corp. said Thursday it is doubling the size of its design office in New York City, as well as adding its first design studio on the West Coast, in Santa Monica, Calif.

The move, said the company, represents a commitment to its exclusive brands.

"The investment reinforces our commitment to offering world-class brands at compelling value to our customers," said Kevin Mansell, Kohl's chairman, president and CEO, in a statement.

New York City -- The nation’s discounters and department store retailers turned in mixed results for December, with many chains citing unseasonably warm weather that sapped demand for cold-weather merchandise.

“Cold-weather categories, which are highly profitable and represent approximately 25% of our business in December, were down mid-teens on a percentage basis,” said Tony Buccina, vice chairman, president – merchandising, The Bon-Ton Stores, whose December same-store sales fell 0.7%. The company widened its loss forecast.