In 2008, Kohl's expects the combination to grow 100 to 200 basis points supported by the continued growth of ELLE, Food Network and Simply Vera Vera Wang as well as new introductions such as Bobby Flay, Jumping Beans and FILA SPORT.
The company also will become the exclusive U.S. retailer for Dana Buchman women's apparel, intimates, accessories and footwear when the collection makes its debut in spring 2009.
These introductions will be supported by comprehensive marketing plans intended to build each unique lifestyle brand. Other 2008 opportunities outlined in the meeting include continued strategies to improve inventory management through size and pricing optimization.
In 2007, the company successfully opened 112 new stores, 80 of which occurred on a single day in October, marking the largest grand opening in Kohl's history. At the end of fiscal 2007, the company operated 929 stores in 47 states compared with 817 stores in 45 states at the end of 2006.
Building on that momentum, Kohl's plans to open 70-75 stores in fiscal 2008, including the company's 1,000th store and entry into Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach this fall. To support the company's continued expansion, Kohl's will add a new distribution center in Ottawa, Ill., expected to open in October.
With customers' in-store experience as a company priority, Kohl's continues to evolve its store design. New stores include enhanced features such as glass storefront entrances, updated cash wraps and fitting rooms, and redesigned Juniors, Jewelry and Intimates departments.
In the fall, additional enhancements will be introduced in the Children's and Shoe departments. The company remodeled 29 stores to reflect these innovative features in 2007 and will remodel an additional 36 by July 2008 bringing the total number of updated stores to more than 250.