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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Canadian-based lululemon to Open Second U.S. Distribution Center in Columbus, Ohio

07/29/2013
Canadian-based lululemon athletica, known for its yoga-inspired athletic apparel, purchased an existing facility in Columbus, with plans to open its second US distribution center in Central Ohio. The Vancouver, British Columbia-based company’s investment in the Region will include the creation of 170 new full-time positions, Columbus 2020 said.

lululemon’s newest distribution center, which will be housed in an existing, 300,000 square-foot facility in Columbus, is slated to open in mid 2014. 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, Washington.

“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.”

“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.”

John Minor, president and chief investment officer at JobsOhio said: “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.”

“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 chairman 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.”

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