We can't pretend to talk about fashion in Milwaukee without devoting some time to Kohl's Corporation. Headquartered in the Falls, Kohl's employs hundreds, maybe thousands of designers, buyers and photographers working everyday in the fashion industry. Right here in Wisconsin. It is easy to forget about this corporate giant as we delve into charming boutiques and find innovative design students. But, I challenge you to find one person you know who hasn't stopped at Kohl's in the last month (seriously, email me if you have).
It is really too much to try to dissect everything they offer, but here is a quick look at a few of their woman's clothing options by line. They have really covered almost every style personality (have I uncovered the key to their success?).
We have to discuss Simply Vera by Vera Wang. Adding a Vera Wang line to their offerings was a real coup for Kohl's. I would consider it their 'fashion forward' offering and can tell you that I literally planned a shopping trip to the store the weekend it launched. While the price point is higher than most other merchandise at Kohl's, it still allows the average woman to buy Vera Wang. Check out their online look book first since the pieces can intimidate on the rack. Or is that just me?
Also notable is the Dana Buchman line. Buchman, the former head of Ellen Tracy, offers her line exclusively at Kohl's. It's more conservative than the other lines, but definitely appeals to the large Talbot's crowd around town.
Kohl's also capitalizes on celebrity names to promote their lines and drive business to the stores. Current and previous lines included Britney Spears, Lauren Conrad, Daisy Fuentes, and an upcoming JLo and Marc Anthony line in the fall of 2011. I have to assume these lines are successful as they continue to introduce new ones. (Sadly, Kohl's did not respond to my request for information. Should all twelve of us boycott?)
Kohl's nationwide expansion has been impressive, in particular given the economic climate in the last several years. I have to hope that their success continues as it directly impacts the job market, fashion schools, style choices, and new talent in Milwaukee.
2 comments:
Granted, I don't shop all that much, but I make a point to skip this chain. I bet I've only been in once in the past year and that was to get a new Brewers t-shirt last summer.
As my mom described it (back in the 90s before Target got their own designer lines...), they have Target clothes at Boston Store prices.
All that said, my opinion of the store is based on a late-90s image. Perhaps I need to check it out again now...
I'm a fan of kohl's, especially since they are helping towards my daughters' college funds by paying them to model
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