Kohl's 1998 Annual Report Download - page 4

her own pace, the ability to track performance and assess the
training itself, and significant time and cost savings.
Developing future managers is another one of Kohl’s commitments
to our Associates. Our college-hiring program was expanded in
1998 at the store, corporate and distribution center levels. Kohl’s
now actively recruits on 11 university and college campuses across
the country. And Kohl’s senior executives are taking a proactive
approach to college recruitment by taking leadership roles at
some universities and helping to shape student curriculum.
A Great Place to Work
Associate retention continues to be a priority at Kohl’s, even though
statistics show Kohl’s is ahead of the competition in this area. In 1998,
a task force was initiated to enhance Kohl’s reputation as a great
place to work, focusing on creative ways to increase productivity and
reduce costs through improved selection, better initial orientation,
enhanced supervision and an improved work environment. As a result,
we expect our retention of Associates to be even better in 1999.
Our corporate day care center, The
Learning Lodge, is growing right along
with Kohl’s. The center is expanding
and administration has been brought
in-house, resulting in reduced costs and improved quality. But the
most exciting news is that in 1999 The Learning Lodge achieved
accreditation by the National Association for the Education of
Young Children. Only seven percent of childhood centers nation-
wide have attained acceditation and we are extremely proud of
our teachers and Associates for achieving this special recognition.
Other recent changes include a new provider for our 401(k) pro-
gram which will greatly enhance this Associate benefit.
Kohl’s outstanding success continues to make our Employee
Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) a significant benefit for our
Associates. In 1998, Kohl's contributed approximately 66,000
shares to the ESOP. At fiscal year end, the ESOP had a market
value approaching $50 million, making it a great source of added
financial security for many Associates and their families.
Thanks for a Great Year!
This annual report would not be com-
plete without a sincere thank
you to the people who made our suc-
cessful year possible —
our Associates.
From our stores to our distribution
centers to our corporate headquarters,
our Associates are the driving force
behind our reputation as one of the
country’s best-performing retailers.
While the financial community looks at
the numbers, we know it’s our people
who have made Kohl’s the success it is
today. As we celebrate the completion
of another outstanding year, we can
look forward to even more growth
opportunities for our company and for
our Associates.
Every day, each
and every one of
our Associates
helps to bring
the Kohl’s con-
cept to thou-
sands of cus-
tomers across
the country. At
Kohl’s, our
Associates are
our greatest
asset!
More and more customers are
turning to Kohl’s for home fashion.
Associates are the key to our success.
In 1998, our Associates completed an amazing
77 million sales transactions and processed 293
million pieces of merchandise through our distri-
bution centers. Over 30,000 Associates partici-
pated in Kohl’s training programs and 175 new
assistant store managers participated in confer-
ences designed to promote best practices with-
in the organization. And, 1,100 Kohl's Associates
made up one of the largest single city teams in
the United States for the 1998 Juvenile
Diabetes Fund Walk, raising $130,000 to help cure juvenile dia-
betes. Kohl’s Associates, in partnership with the company, also
supported our local communities through donations to United
Way exceeding $750,000 in 1998. Kohl’s is proud to be repre-
sented by such caring and generous Associates.
These are just a few of the statistics that show that Kohl’s
Associates are exceptional individuals who come together to
make one exceptional team. At Kohl’s, we never lose sight of
the fact that our Associates are the key to our success. Their
hard work and dedication ensure that Kohl’s continues to move
ahead. This calls for a high level of commitment on our part —
and we strive to meet that challenge every day.
Commitment to Our Associates
Supporting our Associates and helping them to grow both per-
sonally and professionally is just one way we show this com-
mitment. 1998 saw an increased emphasis on training and
development programs and Associate retention, along with
enhanced benefits we offer our Associates.
Computer-based training is one example of a number of new
initiatives being developed to more efficiently train our
Associates. Through customized, computer-based modules, we
will help new Associates master basic transaction applications
at their store location, even during new store roll-outs. This
method of Associate training will offer a variety of benefits for
all including flexibility to allow the Associate to work at his or
4 5
Khaki and denim are popular items
in Kohl’s young men’s department.