A friendly clerk at Kohl's in the Bayshore Mall said the other day that, no, the prospect of another competitor isn't threatening. Kohl's can handle it. It's known, said the clerk, for its customer service, especially at the Eureka store:

"We were just voted No. 1 in customer service in our region, out of 106 stores."

The newbie -- T.J. Maxx -- (owned by the same company as Marshall's) has been written up as a successful sourcer in quality brands.

Even so, this news likely ain't as exciting as a new Wal-Mart coming to town.

Well, T.J., welcome to Eureka -- and to the pending minimum wage showdown.