Jim Fair
Daryl Atkins, store manager for Kohl's, welcomed guests to the ribbon cutting ceremony.
Jim Fair
Patricia Allen said the recycling of a former big box store was as exciting as the new department store opening on Wade Hampton Blvd.
Jim Fair
Patrick Doyle (red sweater) was designated to cut the traditional red ribbon officially marking the grand opening of a Kohl's store.
Jim Fair
Community leaders joined other Kohl's managers and associates at Friday's grand opening.
“We listen to our customers and we listen to the community. When the community wants a store we do everything we can to put one there,” said Phillip Daniel, Kohl’s district manager. “It’s all about the customers.”
Kohl’s held its ribbon cutting Friday at 1320 W. Wade Hampton Blvd. The 67,000-square-foot store with 100 full- and part-time workers, opened last Sunday.
Mayor Rick Danner related to the many times he had been asked the past three years when Kohl’s was opening. “If I had a nickel for every time that question was asked me, I would be making this welcoming from Jamaica,” said Danner.
“We needed you here. Thank you for opening a store in Greer.” Patrick Doyle said they have been the comments he has heard most the past week. Doyle, an associate at the store, was the designated ribbon cutter.
“I am overwhelmed and excited to be here,” said Daryl Atkins, store manager, who lives in Greer. “I love the city and I want Kohl’s to be a great partner with the city of Greer.
“This is a good example of public and private partnership,” said Danner. “This is about an old big box store and (Kohl’s) adaptability and change.”
Patricia Allen came to Kohl’s to replace an office coffee maker that broke earlier in the morning. “I think it’s wonderful Kohl’s has opened here and recycled a store (formerly Kmart) that was sitting vacant,” said Allen.
Daniel said Kohl’s is a community partner in education and health. When five associates volunteer three hours each Kohl’s will donate $500 to the non-profit. Its brand stuffed animals and books sold for $5 each has 100 percent of its net profits donated to children’s hospitals. Daniel said $900,000 has been donated to the Children’s Hospital in Greenville.