Columbus, OH – One Columbus today announced that lululemon athletica (NASDAQ:LULU), known for its yoga-inspired athletic apparel, is purchasing an existing facility in the Columbus Region, making Central Ohio the site of its second U.S. distribution center. The Vancouver, British Columbia-based company’s investment in the Region will include the creation of 170 new full-time positions.
“We love Columbus because its perfect location and amazing infrastructure will help us get our technical gear to guests and stores faster in the Midwest and Eastern regions of the U.S., especially during the busiest times of the year,” said Kathryn Henry, lululemon’s chief information officer, Logistics and Distribution. “It’s a wonderful community, and we can’t wait to build an inspired new lululemon team there.”
lululemon’s newest distribution center, which will be housed in an existing, 300,000-square-foot facility in the City of Columbus, is slated to open in mid 2014. Hiring for the 170 new jobs will begin in the coming weeks and postings will be available at www.lululemon.com. In addition to its distribution arm, lululemon already operates retail stores at Easton Town Center and Polaris Fashion Place. Its other distribution center is located in Sumner, Wash.
This latest announcement adds to the Columbus Region’s strong base of retail-specific distribution centers, including dedicated facilities for Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and Target Brands, Inc., accounting for more than 1,500 jobs. The Region also is the headquarters to several high-profile retail brands, including Limited Brands, Inc., Abercrombie & Fitch Co. and DSW Inc.
“Attracting an exciting brand like lululemon to Columbus speaks to our growing reputation as a young, cool city as well as our ability to provide national retail companies with the right mix of location, infrastructure and workforce,” said Mayor Michael B. Coleman. “We are thrilled to welcome lululemon to Columbus, and even more eager to offer our residents new high-quality job opportunities.”
“lululemon already has a strong brand presence in Columbus and this distribution center will have a tremendous positive impact for our Central Ohio region,” said Zach M. Klein, Columbus City Council member and chair of the Council’s Development Committee. “I am proud to sponsor legislation that will lead to the creation of 170 new positions in the City of Columbus.”
Said John Minor, president and chief investment officer, JobsOhio: “Bringing lululemon to the Columbus Region is a direct result of the economic development collaboration happening at the local, regional and state levels. Becoming just the second U.S. distribution center for a major brand is a win not only for the Columbus Region, but also puts the state on the map in terms of business attraction.”