Zulilly plans big Storey expansion

Zulilly, a self-described online “shopping destination for moms,” has announced a major expansion of its Storey County operation.

Spokesman Jess Andrew told the economic development board Thursday that the company is building a 700,000-square-foot warehouse and distribution center at the Tahoe Reno Industrial Center east of Reno.

Between its real estate investment and personal property, the company is making an estimated investment of $41 million in Storey County.

Andrew said the company hopes to add 1,600 employees to the 600 workers it already has in Storey County over the next five years.

The board headed by Gov. Brian Sandoval approved a series of tax abatements designed to convince the company the expansion should come to Nevada rather than Arizona. Those abatements include cutting the sales tax the company must pay to the base 2 percent. That affects local governments and schools. It cuts the modified business tax by 25 percent for the next four years and the personal property tax by 25 percent for 10 years.

Combined, those tax breaks are worth an estimated $661,652 to the company.

Sandoval said his only question was the low average wage the company offers — $12.50 an hour.

Andrew pointed out that the company promotes from within, and workers in the distribution center have opportunities to move into much higher-paying positions. He said the firm also offers health care worth about $6,000 annually and includes coverage options for dependents, dental, vision and a retirement plan.

Workers are eligible for performance bonuses and merit increases as well as tuition assistance, he said.

Zulilly offers online deals on women’s and children’s clothing, infant gear, toys and home décor. The company is headquartered in Seattle but has offices in London and Ohio, as well as Northern Nevada.