Kohl's 2000 Annual Report Download - page 6

Larry Montgomery
Chief Executive Officer
Kevin Mansell
President
Arlene Meier
Chief Operating Officer
Bill Kellogg
Chairman of the Board
In 2002, we plan to open approximately 70 stores. We will expand fur-
ther into the Northeast with a major entry into the Boston market and
will enter the Houston market for the first time. In 2003, we plan to
begin a major expansion into the Southwest with a significant entry into
Los Angeles, giving us the coast-to-coast coverage that will move us
from a regional to a national retailer. Plans are also currently under-
way for further entries into Southern California, Arizona and Nevada in
2003 and 2004.
Focus on Convenience
Convenience is very important to our customer. Our ample and well-lit
parking, handy stroller carts, functional store layout, in-stock position
and central check-out make shopping at Kohl’s fast and easy.
In 2001, we will add on-line shopping for those customers who want
the convenience of shopping from home. Our entry into e-commerce
has been well researched and deliberately planned to ensure our
customers the same level of service they have come to expect from
our stores. A new fulfillment center has been built in Ohio specifically
to service these customers. Effective utilization and leverage of our
established corporate functions provides a financially sound foundation
for our on-line shopping business. Although e-commerce will contribute
only a small percentage of total sales in its first year, it will complement
our existing stores and provide an added service for our busy customers.
Outstanding Associates
Of course, no report on the year is complete without a thank you to the
people who made it happen – our Associates. In our business, success is
more than buildings and merchandise. It takes great people, and whether
they work in our stores, distribution centers or corporate office, our
Associates are the driving force behind all of our achievements. We are
proud of this outstanding group of people whose friendly service and
caring attitude have made Kohl’s the company to watch in retailing today.
With coast-to-coast expansion on the horizon, the years ahead will
be an exciting time for Kohl’s. We want to thank all of our Associates,
shareholders, customers and vendors for their continuing confidence
and support as we take Kohl’s to the next level.
To My Fellow
Associates:
I would like to take this opportunity to
thank all of the Associates I have worked
with over the years at Kohl’s. It is
because of your efforts that Kohl’s is the
tremendous success it is today. I have
always believed that Kohl’s Associates
are exceptional. Your hard work and
commitment to our customers and your
company have created a unique culture
that thrives on the growth of our people
as well as our performance.
To our customers, you are Kohl’s.
Whether you welcome customers to
your store with a smile and a friendly
hello, provide critical store support as
part of our distribution center team or help
to keep things running as a member of
our corporate staff, you have an important
role in our success. The credit for our
many achievements belongs to all of you.
While I will continue to serve as
Chairman of the Board, I am proud that
the management transition process we
began in 1998 was completed in a
smooth and seamless manner. With the
leadership of Larry Montgomery as chief
executive officer, Kevin Mansell as
president and Arlene Meier as chief
operating officer, we are well positioned
to continue our expansion strategy.
Thank you all for a great 33 years.kuris.