Kohl's accepting applications

Kohl’s seems to be moving closer to opening, although department store officials won’t commit to a date.

Originally a soft opening was set for Sept. 26 and a grand opening for Sept. 29, but it is unclear if the dates still stand. Kohls’ media relations representative Kristen Cunningham said on Tuesday afternoon that the store will open pending the receipt and approval of all necessary permits and entitlements.

While the opening date is not firm, the approximate 66,000 square foot Kohls, located where Mervyns once stood at 1275 W. Henderson Ave., is now taking applications.

“We don’t have a firm [opening] date yet,” Cunningham said. “We typically open stores in the spring and fall.”

Cunningham declined to comment on approximately how many employees the department store might hire but in mid-May contractor Michael Giroth, superintendent of Near-Cal Corp General Contractors, estimated Kohl’s hiring 100 people. Since then, Giroth said he is not allowed to comment and referred all calls to the company’s media relations office.

Among the positions available are several supervisor positions in the following areas: Customer service, Area, Operations, Loss Prevention, Visual, and Sales. In addition, a number of sales specialists, a part-time administrative assistant, and POS specialists are needed.

Anyone applying must be 17 years or older and pass a drug screening.

In the meantime, the Porterville Chamber of Commerce has been receiving calls asking when the store will open.

“As far as we know, it’s still [Sept. 29],” said Donnette Carter, the chamber’s president and chief executive officer. “It’s the biggest buzz around here. It’s good news. Everyone is excited and can hardly wait.”

The opening of the store, whenever it may be, was made possible by a $2.7 million from the City of Porterville. The City Council approved the loan in December with a 4-1 vote. The majority of councilmen were willing to front taxpayer money in anticipation that the retailer would generate $100,000 each year in sales tax revenue.  

The agreement struck with the shopping center’s developer, Prospect Henderson Partners, L.P., states that the loan would be used to assist with costs, fees and services related to the purchase of the property.

To apply for employment go to www.kohlscareers.com or call 1-877-395-7488.