ThisWeek CW 02/06/2014
http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/canalwinchester/news/2014/02/03/apparel-company-bringing-401-jobs-to-groveport.html
A new corporate distribution center will move into a building on Green Pointe Drive in Groveport, bringing with it 401 new jobs.
Gwynnie Bee, a subscription-based apparel company, plans to locate its new flagship fulfillment center at 5650 North Green Pointe Drive.
The 75,000-square-foot facility is expected to employ 401 new workers over the next three years, according to city Finance Director Jeff Green.
“They’re planning about 400 new jobs at an average wage of $15.92,” he said. “They estimate an increase from $3 million to $30 million in growth. This is an exciting company.”
He said company officials haven’t yet given the city a target date for the center’s opening, but he’s guessing that will happen sometime this spring, possibly in late May or early June.
“Gwynnie Bee’s rapid growth has prompted the need for a new fulfillment operation to meet increasing customer demand,” company spokesman Robert Escobar said. “The Columbus region’s strategic location, skilled workforce and proven success in e-commerce were major factors in the site-selection process.”
Groveport City Council has approved a package of incentives for Gwynnie Bee as a part of the development deal linked to state tax credits approved.
According to Green, this includes a community reinvestment area (CRA) tax exemption program on the building through 2015. Once that expires, the new incentive voted on by council will begin — a 50-percent annual incentive payment equal to 50 percent of tax withholdings from the new jobs.
The state will match that agreement, which will ultimately last nine years, ending in 2023, Green said
According to the company’s website, Gwynnie Bee offers customers a chance to “have fun with fashion” by paying a monthly subscription fee that gives them access to a collection of more than 1,000 styles. Women can order clothing online, which is then shipped to them; they can essentially rent the clothes, wear them for awhile and return them, or purchase items outright. The fee is based on how many items are ordered each month and includes free shipping and exchanges.
“We’ve been working on this for a while and it’s a good company,” Green said. “This is further proof that Groveport is a good place to do business.
“We’re proud that the city’s commitment to growth has allowed us to develop a strong reputation in e-commerce that continues to attract new and innovative companies. We look forward to continuing that momentum.”
City Administrator Marsha Hall agreed.
“It’s a nice way to start off the year and we’re looking forward to it opening,” she said. “It appears the economy is moving ahead and we’re excited about that.”