The Kohl’s department store chain’s slogan is “expect great things.”
Expectations couldn’t be greater for Sunday’s opening of the retailer’s first Savannah store.
Shoppers, neighbors and Kohl’s management are all anxious for the much-anticipated debut. Kohl’s announced it would enter the Savannah market a year ago, ending years of speculation and failed negotiations regarding the Wisconsin-based retailer’s future here.
Anticipation has built since renovation began on the 80,000-square-foot space formerly occupied by Goody’s and Office Depot earlier this year. The company ramped up local advertising over the summer, and a job fair held in early August attracted more than 1,600 applicants for approximately 125 positions.
“The buzz has been incredible for a store that probably few locals have ever shopped in,” said Brent Emmett, Kohl’s district manager based in Jacksonville. “That speaks to Kohl’s reputation.”
Kohl’s boasts more than 1,000 stores in 49 states and is known for offering brand name merchandise in a friendly, convenient and value-conscious setting. The store’s offerings include clothing, housewares, jewelry, toys and cosmetics, similar to what shoppers would find in a big box mall retailer like Dillard’s or JC Penney.
Kohl’s blend of quality and value will make it unique to the market, Emmett said.
Kohl’s neighbors expect to benefit from the new store’s presence. The owner of Habersham Beverage Warehouse, located just north of Kohl’s, has already seen an impact on his business, with Kohl’s employees shopping in his store following training sessions.
The package shop has added an employee to its staff anticipating heavier foot traffic.
“They haven’t even opened yet, and they’re already helping us and the Savannah economy,” the liquor store’s Bubba Rosenthal said. “And I’m about to redo the front of my store because I want to look good like they do over there.”
The increased traffic and visibility Kohl’s will bring to other Oglethorpe Plaza businesses is much needed, said Wil Jones, manager of the Men’s Wearhouse located across the parking lot from Kohl’s. While much of Kohl’s space was already vacant when the retailer announced it was coming, several other businesses have left the shopping center since. Office Depot and Party City both moved across Abercorn Street to Abercorn Commons and a vacuum cleaner outlet closed.
“It’s gotten pretty quiet in the last year,” Men’s Wearhouse’s Jones said. “Kohl’s is another destination store, along with us and Best Buy. Hopefully people who come to shop at Kohl’s will notice us and that will help our business.”
Visibility is a factor at Oglethorpe Plaza. Tucked off Abercorn Street near the White Bluff Road interchange, the Kohl’s storefront isn’t visible to southbound traffic. Yet Kohl’s Emmett is confident the retailer will thrive at the location.
“There’s a lot of conversation about us right now, so we’ll get the first-time shoppers,” he said. “It’s up to us to make sure their experience is such that they keep coming back.”
KOHL’S
Location: Oglethorpe Plaza, 7939 Abercorn St. (south of White Bluff Road interchange)
Opens: 9 a.m., Sunday*
* While the official grand opening will be Wednesday, the store will be open to the public at 9 a.m. on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.