Kohl's expands New York design studio, adds California studio

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.



Exclusive brands now account for 51% of Kohl’s total revenue.



The Santa Monica studio will open on Monday, staffed by 20 trend and graphic arts professionals. The company's design studio in New York, located near the Garment District, will double in size to 100,000 sq. ft. by 2014. It currently houses 140 designers, but could nearly double to about 250, said the company.