The single-story building will include all of the newer Kohl's stores features, including glass showcase windows at each entrance, enhanced fitting rooms with lounge areas and updated restrooms and checkout stations, said Elizabeth Deluca, Kohl's spokeswoman.

Kohl's has more than 1,000 stores nationwide, offering clothing, shoes, clothing accessories, jewelry, electronics and games, as well as a variety of items for the home, including furniture, dinnerware, and dining room and kitchen accessories.

The Anchorage store is one of 18 around the country that are due to open this spring.

Still, the department store isn't immune to the nation's economic recession.

Kohl's officials in Menomonee Falls, Wis., announced Feb. 5 that total sales for the month ended Jan. 31 decreased 9 percent compared to the same period a year ago. On a comparable store basis, sales decreased 13.4 percent. Total sales for the year decreased 0.5 percent from the prior year. On a comparable store basis, sales for the year decreased 6.9 percent.

Kevin Mansell, Kohl's president and chief executive officer, said the January sales results were expected, largely resulting from significantly lower seasonal clearance inventory levels. The lower levels were a result of improved inventory management and have positioned the company positively for the transition to spring, he said.

"We intend to continue to plan sales conservatively and flow receipts accordingly in 2009," Mansell said.

The new stores are being built according to a design that is LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) pre-certified at the silver level from the U.S. Green Building Council.

The store's green building features will include use of recycled and locally obtained building materials, use of low volatile organic compound materials, and high efficiency heating and cooling systems.

The building also will employ energy management systems that include centralized control systems and occupancy sensor lighting for stockrooms, break rooms and offices, water-conserving plumbing fixtures and drip irrigation for plants. In addition, the company plans to recycle all cardboard boxes, hangers and packaging.

The corporation also is involved in community efforts nationwide, including its Kohl's Cares for Kids Fundraising Card Program, which provides discounted fundraising gift cards to nonprofit, youth-serving organizations. These groups then sell the purchased cards at face value and keep the remaining profits.

Kohl's is also the official department store sponsor of U.S. Youth Soccer, a member of the United States Soccer Federation the governing body for soccer in the United States.

Margaret Bauman can be reached at margie.bauman@alaskajournal.com.