KELLY COLE TO RETIRE FROM HALLS KANSAS CITY

After 13 years as president and CEO, Kelly Cole has announced his retirement from Halls Kansas City.

During his tenure, Cole transformed the 104-year-old luxury specialty store, reimagining its path forward in a changing retail landscape, introducing the store to new audiences, and positioning Halls Kansas City for future generations to enjoy.

“It’s been my goal from day one to continue to build upon Joyce Hall’s philosophy to ‘be the first with the best’ in Kansas City,” Cole said. “We are the local luxury specialty store. We pride ourselves on that. Through the positive strides we’ve made over the last several years to become even more customer-focused, Halls is well-positioned to remain modern and relevant for many years to come.”

“We were so fortunate to have Kelly’s leadership at Halls for more than a decade. He knows our customers like no one else,” said Stacey Paine, president of Crown Center Redevelopment Corp. “Thanks in large part to Kelly’s leadership, Halls has evolved to meet the needs of our customers by expanding our price points, focusing on unparalleled service, and creating a shopping environment more conducive to the hands-on experience customers expect. His insights have been essential to the recently announced re-imagination of the store.”

Cole’s last day as president and CEO will be January 15th, which will give him time to oversee the launch of Halls’ upcoming renovation project, experience one final holiday season at Halls, and help in the transition to his successor Todd Epperley, who will become the new general merchandise manager/store director.

Epperley is a 24-year Halls veteran and has most recently overseen Halls’ men’s, jewelry, and luxury handbag departments.

“I’m very happy for Todd and what’s ahead for Halls,” Cole said. “Not only does he understand the Halls culture, he also understands the Halls customer. And because of these, there will be a seamless transition. Halls is in good hands and is well-positioned for the future.”