Leading online retailer chose Kansas City region for its central location, low transportation costs

EDWARDSVILLE, Kan., Feb. 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Zumiez Inc. (NASDAQ: ZUMZ), a leading specialty retailer of action sports related apparel, footwear, equipment and accessories, announced that the company will relocate its ecommerce fulfillment operations from its headquarters in Everett, Wash., to the Kansas City region this May. 

Zumiez will lease 153,000 sq. ft. at 9911 Woodend Road, located just 15 miles west of downtown Kansas City, creating 100 new jobs.  The company cited its growing online business and the importance of increasing speed of product deliveries to online customers as rationale for the move.  Zumiez assessed multiple cities across the U.S. before selecting the Kansas City area, including Chicago, Ill.; Corona, Calif.; Indianapolis, Ind.; and Louisville, Ky. 

"As a company, we continually evaluate opportunities to increase the speed of delivering products to our customers while also improving our costs. The move to Kansas means that, across the continental U.S., our customers should receive their Zumiez order in three days or less," said Marc Stolzman, Zumiez Chief Financial Officer.

"We have seen a strong trend of these types of facilities locating in the Kansas City region, which is ideal for ecommerce distribution due to our central location and low transportation costs," said Bob Marcusse, president of the Kansas City Area Development Council. 

The Kansas City Area Development Council, KC SmartPort, Kessinger/Hunter & Co., LC, the Kansas Department of Commerce, the Wyandotte Economic Development Council, the City of Edwardsville and Westar Energy, Inc., worked together to bring Zumiez to the Kansas City region.

About Greater Kansas City

Home to 2.5 million people, the Kansas City region offers the benefits of more than 50 unique communities and 18 counties in Kansas and Missouri. Called "America's Creative Crossroads," the region's distinctive qualities come from a confluence of artistry and innovation.  Kansas City and its corporations, universities and lifestyle assets are nationally ranked among the best places to work, innovate and explore. Contact KCADC to learn more about business and career opportunities in the Greater KC area.  http://www.thinkKC.com  

About Zumiez Inc.

Zumiez (NASDAQ: ZUMZ) is a leading specialty retailer of action sports related apparel, footwear, equipment and accessories. Our stores cater to young men and women between ages 12-24, focusing on skateboarding, surfing, snowboarding, motocross and BMX.  As of January 28, 2012, we operated 434 stores in the United States and 10 stores in Canada. http://www.zumiez.com.

SOURCE Kansas City Area Development Council

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