Transcript Staff

Kohl’s officially opened its Norman store at 2110 N.W. 24th Ave. Wednesday, the second tenant in the University North Park TIF development.

Store Manager Josh Krinsky and District Manager Patrick Bride thanked the 130 Kohl’s part and full-time team members for transforming an empty shell of a building into a completed store. “We walked into a completely empty building and over the past five weeks have got it ready with inventory and opened,” Krinsky said.

The Kohl’s Norman store is one of 95 stores opened nationwide on Wednesday. Kohl’s has more than 900 stores nationwide, including nine in Oklahoma. The Wisconsin-based company plans to have more than 1,400 stores by 2012. Krinsky formerly worked in the Yukon and Moore stores.

“It’s great to be in Norman,” Bride said.

The ribbon cutton included Krinsky, Bride, Regional manager Scott Wurzbacher. Two store associates, Jennifer Beddoe and Patrick Brooks, were selected to help cut the ribbon.

The new store is one of nearly 200 nationwide featuring Kohl’s enhanced look. An inviting exterior welcomes customers with outdoor seating and music and glass storefront entrances with showcase windows display the latest Kohl’s fashions.

Interior amenities include an expanded Juniors’ department, fitting rooms with lounge areas, updated restrooms, and redesigned customer service and checkout stations. Kohl’s began introducing new store designs with Fall 2006 Grand Openings.

Kohl’s has raised more than $85 million for children’s initiatives nationwide through its Kohl’s Cares for Kids philanthropic program. Locally, the charity partners with the OU Children’s Hospital and has raised more than $500,000 over the past five years.