As of 2024, Brooklyn is New York City’s highest-populated borough at approximately 2.6 million people. With such a high population, one would be shocked to see how many abandoned and dilapidated warehouses can be found all throughout the borough. Prior to its 450 million dollar redevelopment into Industry City, Bush Terminal used to be one of those places. Today, after more than a decade in service, Industry City is home to 550 companies and provides work for 8,500 people. One such establishment is the Kohler Signature Store, our topic for today.
Getting Started in Brooklyn
The Kohler Signature Store had its first full day of operation just over a year ago, on January 15th, 2024. For most Brooklynites it was just another cold January day, but for both designers and humble DIY-ers alike, it was a day that made kitchen and bath renovation even more accessible. It brought Kohler out of Manhattan’s bustling Flatiron District and into Brooklyn’s Sunset Park. With the help of our partner and Kohler Signature Store representative, Jordan, we’re going to answer some of your burning questions about this new community staple and what they can provide for you and your future projects.
Easy Access, Quality Accessibility
Traveling anywhere in New York City can be a bit of a drag, but the Kohler Signature Store has picked the prime location of Industry City to help your trip go as smoothly as possible.
If you choose to drive, there’s either metered parking on 3rd avenue, free ticketed parking on 2nd avenue, or you can park in a lot at the back of the mall for an all-day fee of $15. This means that after your business with Kohler, you can check out the many restaurants, art exhibits, and stores the community has to offer.
If public transportation is more your thing, Industry city is accessible via the B37 and B70 buses, as well as the D, N, and R trains. Both options come with a $2.90 fee per person with one free transfer. Trains accept MetroCards (which will be phased out by the end of the year), OMNY, and tap pay, while buses accept all the above and exact change in coins.
As for accessibility for the disabled, Destination Accessible rates the establishment nicely. There are adequate handicapped parking spaces, ramps at the end and in the middle of blocks to accommodate the large curbs, and elevators in most buildings. In addition, most flooring is smooth and bathrooms are large, multi-stalled, and have baby changing stations. The Kohler Signature Store in particular is on the ground floor and one level, but one is more than welcome to call a representative for more questions about their establishment’s individual accessibility.
A Signature Store in A Signature Neighborhood
There are many things that make the Industry City store “signature,” but the big one is the erasure of the middle man. A traditional department store is run by a distributor, not Kohler directly. With that said, you can be assured at the Kohler Signature Store that the “warranties and product lines align with Kohler’s highest standards.” In addition, the lines created for distributors are different, and not the same quality you may find at a tier 1 store such as this Kohler Signature Store. To reiterate, the products found at the Signature Store come directly from Kohler, carry Kohler’s warranties, and are guaranteed to be the highest quality Kohler can provide. You will not be able to find these products as they are at any other non-signature location.
Businesses Want Business
Don’t be fooled by the word “signature,” Kohler stores are still franchised and competition does exist. Not only will some stores price match to get your business, but locations also compete with sales. Sales for all Kohler customers begin at 25% but may vary depending on again, competitors, or the quantity of items you’re purchasing. Bulk orders itch to get you a discount.
In addition to this, Kohler offers a trade discount of 32%, meaning if you’re a business owner you will not spend retail price on items you’re looking at. Repeat business is also rewarded, designers who frequent Kohler potentially qualifying for deeper discounts.
Why The Big Apple Should Choose Kohler
There are many reasons why Kohler should be a customer’s first choice, but we’ll narrow it down to just three: stage functionality, product diversity and collaborations, and quality.
First, stage functionality. When you walk into your typical department store, the only thing you get to actively see in action are light fixtures and their bulbs. When you go to the Industry City Kohler Signature Store, you’re able to interact with dozens of hand showers, shower heads, and sinks. As we like to say, visiting this signature store is like being able to try out all the lotions and soaps in a Bath and Bodyworks. You can’t tell how a faucet or shower will work in a box, but you can when there’s running water. (Let us note that when testing out faucets and showers, water pressure is entirely dependent on a building’s plumbing. If you would like to test your home’s water pressure, this The Spruce article may be helpful.)
Now, product diversity and collaborations. Most people are unaware of how many different items Kohler actually stocks. From black and chrome to gold and bronze, Kohler is easily able to accommodate anyone’s individual style and taste. But it doesn’t stop there. Kohler frequently collaborates with designers to introduce fun and funky to their lineup. Partners such as Justina Blakeney and Jonathan Adler have helped bring peach and spring green to the table. Likewise, the creativity of designers has allowed for an experimentation with shape and the beauty of nature.
Finally, something we’ve touched on very briefly: quality. Kohler brings designers and humble diy-ers some of the best products on the market, even if you don’t know it’s them! Kohler owns brands such as Ann-Sacks, Robern, and Sterling, as well as Kallista, which has many hand crafted products. All of such brands add an entirely new dimension and diversity to the Kohler catalog and make it so that Kohler is the right choice no matter your style or budget.
A Final Word From CRAFT By Anika
Now that you know a little more about the Kohler brand and their new location, why not pay them a visit? Their diverse and multilingual team is there to help you get what you need no matter your knowledge or project size.
If you’re looking for a more guided experience, we at CRAFT by Anika offer a number of services, including design consultation and project management, that’ll help get your vision onto the page and into your home.
