There is strength in numbers – at least Kaufmann’s thinks so.
Kaufmann’s department stores opened their two new locations on May 21. The new stores are located in the Columbus City Center and Tuttle Crossing malls. They form a trio with the Kaufmann’s department store that has existed at Polaris Fashion Place since October of 2001.
Kaufmann’s replaced the locations held by Marshall Field’s department stores after May Department Stores announced on Feb. 5 a signed agreement had been completed acquiring the locations from Target Corporation.
Kaufmann’s operates as part of the Filene/Kaufmann’s department store division, which is headquartered in Boston and is May’s largest division.
“The new stores went beyond our expectations in regards to presentation and customers,” said Erika Kirwin, spokeswoman for Kaufmann’s department store. “We are very proud of our new stores.”
Kaufmann’s grand opening celebration started at 8 a.m. on May 21 and concluded at 9 p.m. on Saturday. Activities held included hourly shopping sprees, wardrobe prizes, clowns and mannequin modeling.
Appearances and performances during the celebration included those of SpongeBob SquarePants, the Midwest Gymnastics and Cheerleading team, The Phoenix Theatre, the Columbus Zoo and the YouthMet Ballet.
“We were greeted by a beautiful balloon presentation when we entered the store,” said Cindy Ufferman, a frequent City Center lunchtime shopper. “The style of clothing Kaufmann’s had to offer was excellent.”
Ufferman, along with Aggie Howard, another frequent City Center lunchtime shopper, has shopped at City Center since the mall first opened more than a decade ago.
“Overall, we were pleased with the store,” Howard said. “The prices were great, the store looked great and the employees were great. We will definitely shop at Kaufmann’s again.”
“Although we were sad to see Marshall Field’s go, we are excited to spend some money in Kaufmann’s,” Ufferman said.
Although exact earnings are not available for Kaufmann’s first week of business, things are looking good, Kirwin said.
“The customers really responded to the store,” he said.
