It’s a Kohl’s day in Sterling

STERLING – Just before 9 a.m. Sunday morning, an excited group of residents from across the Sauk Valley awaited the opening of the new Kohl’s store.

In retail parlance, it was a “soft opening.” The 64,000-square-foot store at 3220 E. Lynn Boulevard will have its ceremonial grand opening on Wednesday.

Soft, though, was just fine for Kim Bloom, Tammy Wilson and Shannon Fish, who were among the crowd in line to enter the store.

“I just like the quality; I love their clothes and I like their kitchen department,” said Bloom, of Sterling.

Wilson, of Wisconsin, agreed, and added her own reasons for shopping here.

“Their photo area – pictures frames and stuff are always really nice quality,” she said.

All said having a Kohl’s in Sterling will save them time and money traveling to Rockford to shop.

And Fish, of Dixon, was in the mood to shop.

“I’m shopping for a whole bunch of different things, from house, to clothing, to everything,” she said. “Spring is here, so you’re looking at the new styles that are coming out ... Whatever hits my fancy.”

Store manager Jeni Purcell greeted customers and passed out black shopping bags. Kohl’s, she said, is “huge for its community service.”

“I think that’s going to be a huge piece with this as far as bringing back to the community,” she said. “Volunteering .. we do grants for nonprofit youth organizations ...”

The store employs 130 associates, jobs that are “vastly important” to the community, Purcell said.

“This used to be considered the hardware capital of the Midwest, and with all the factory jobs closing down, it’s exciting to have a company that said, ‘We see a lot of value here and we really think this will be a great opportunity for Kohl’s to go into this community.’”

To Shop

Kohl's will be open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday at 3220 E. Linclonway, at East Lincolnway and Lynn Boulevard.

Go to www.kohlscorporation.com or call 815-625-4982 for more information.