Columbus, OH — Le Tote Inc., the fashion rental service that delivers unlimited clothing and accessories for a flat monthly fee, announced plans to open a distribution center in the Columbus Region, creating 400 new jobs. Hiring for positions in warehouse, quality control, receiving, inventory and laundry will begin in Q4 2017.
The new 250,000-square-foot facility will be located in Obetz on 5465 Centerpoint Parkway. Le Tote will invest more than $1.1 million in training costs, machinery and equipment.
“We chose the Columbus Region for its prime access to our customers and to global retail brands,” said Brett Northart, president and co-founder of Le Tote. “The Obetz location will enable us to upgrade our distribution capabilities while ensuring costs remain low.”
Le Tote offers a customizable monthly subscription service for women, giving them access to more than 150 top brands including French Connection, Vince Camuto, BCBGeneration, Sanctuary and more. With styles delivered straight to their door, members can choose to rent-and-return their items, or purchase pieces they love for up to 50 percent off retail price. The company was founded in California in 2012, and has experienced enormous growth over the past several years.
“Le Tote’s decision to open a distribution center in Obetz further establishes the Columbus Region as a global leader for e-commerce,” said Rod Davisson, village administrator for the Village of Obetz. “We are thrilled to welcome them and 400 new jobs to Obetz.”
Some of the world’s most recognizable apparel, lifestyle and home goods brands operate alongside top retail-related service providers to drive world-wide innovation from the Columbus Region. The Region’s top retail and e-commerce brands – including Amazon and zulily – benefit from its multi-modal logistics infrastructure, allowing goods and services to reach more of the U.S. and Canada within a day’s drive.
“We and our partners at Columbus 2020 welcome Le Tote’s first investment in the Eastern U.S., which will bring 400 new jobs to Columbus,” said JobsOhio Managing Director for IT and Logistics & Distribution Ted Griffith. “We look forward to working with Le Tote as it expands its national presence in Central Ohio.”
About Le Tote Inc.
Le Tote is a fashion subscription service that allows members to borrow clothing and accessories for a flat monthly fee. Each shipment is curated using Le Tote’s proprietary algorithm. Members can choose to swap items ahead of delivery and keep them as long as they like. Once they are done enjoying their tote, they simply return it to receive another. Members also have an option to purchase items for 20-50 percent off retail. Le Tote partners with more than 150 brands including French Connection, Vince Camuto, BCBGeneration, Sanctuary, Kate Spade, Rebecca Minkoff, Cole Haan, Nike and more. Founded in 2012 by Brett Northart and Rakesh Tondon, the Y Combinator backed company has raised venture funding from Andreessen Horowitz, Google Ventures, Azure Capital Partners, Lerer Hippeau Ventures, Simon Venture Group, AITV, Epic Ventures, Arsenal Venture Partners and Funders Club. For additional information, please visit letote.com or download the iPhone app.
About Columbus 2020
As the economic development organization for the Columbus Region, Columbus 2020’s mission is to generate opportunity and build capacity for economic growth across 11 Central Ohio counties. In 2010, hundreds of business and community leaders developed the Columbus 2020 Regional Growth Strategy, and the Columbus Region is now experiencing the strongest decade of growth in its history. The Columbus 2020 team conducts business outreach, promotes the Columbus Region to market-leading companies around the world, conducts customized research to better understand the Columbus Region’s competitiveness, and works to leverage public, private and institutional partnerships. Funding is received from more than 300 private organizations, local governments, academic institutions and JobsOhio. Learn more at ColumbusRegion.com.
