Kohl’s looks for multichannel magic with new East Coast DC

Kohl’s will open its third distribution center devoted to e-commerce by July as it looks to build on the 50% growth rate experienced last year and surpass annual online sales of $1 billion in 2011.

To accomplish that goal Kohl’s purchased a 600,000-sq.-ft. facility in Edgewood, Md., that will be ready to fulfill online orders this summer even as it undergoes a one million square foot expansion slated for complete in 2012. The new facility will give Kohl’s a nationwide e-commerce fulfillment footprint as the Edgewood location complements existing facilities in San Bernardino, Ca. and Monroe, Ohio.

“This new facility will ensure that Kohl’s is able to accommodate the tremendous growth of our Kohls.com business,” said Ken Bonning, Kohl’s EVP store planning and logistics. “We currently operate 20 stores in Maryland, and are pleased to expand our presence with this new facility and create approximately 1,200 jobs for the community over the next three years.”

Initially, the new facility will employ a staff of about 200, but by the time it is fully operational in mid-2012 staffing will be about 1,200, according to the company.

In addition to its three online fulfillment centers, Kohl’s operates nine additional distribution centers that service its nearly 1,100 stores in 49 states. Last year the company opened 30 stores and remodeled 85 units and those figures will increase further this year as 40 new stores and 100 remodels are planned.