Kohl’s, one of the largest retailers in America and boasting more than 1,100 stores, has recently announced the permanent closures of 27 of its retail locations. This move is part of the overall strategy of the company to improve sales and profit. Therefore, the company is ready to close unprofitable locations. If you live around one of these sites, you may be curious about the consequences this will bring with respect to shopping in your area.
Why is Kohl’s closing these stores?
Kohl’s stated that these closures are tied to lower customer traffic and sales at the affected stores. According to Tom Kingsbury, the CEO of Kohl’s, “As we continue to develop our long-term growth strategy, it’s important that we also take difficult but necessary steps to support the health and future of our business for our customers and our teams.”
Declining sales and increased competition from online retailers have significantly impacted Kohl’s. In late 2024, the company reported a nearly 9% drop in net sales during its third quarter compared to the previous year.
Which states are impacted by the store closures?
The closures span 14 states, with the most significant number in California. Here is the complete list of affected states and locations:
Alabama
- Spanish Fort – 21000 Town Center Ave.
Arkansas
- Little Rock West – 13909 Chenal Pkwy.
California
- Balboa (San Diego) – 5505 Balboa Ave.
- Encinitas – 134 N El Camino Real
- Fremont – 43782 Christy St.
- Mountain View – 350 Showers Dr.
- Napa – 1116 1st St.
- Pleasanton – 4525 Rosewood Dr.
- Point West (Sacramento) – 1896 Arden Way
- San Rafael – 5010 Northgate Dr.
- San Luis Obispo – 205 Madonna Rd.
- Westchester – 8739 S Sepulveda Blvd.
Colorado
- Arapahoe Crossing (Aurora) – 6584 S Parker Rd.
Georgia
- Duluth – 2050 W Liddell Rd.
Idaho
- Boise – 400 N Milwaukee St.
Illinois
- Plainfield – 11860 S Route 59
- Spring Hill (West Dundee) – 3000 Spring Hill Ring Rd.
Massachusetts
- Stoughton – 501 Technology Center Dr.
New Jersey
- East Windsor – 72 Princeton Hightstown Rd.
Ohio
- Blue Ash – 4150 Hunt Rd.
- Forest Park (Cincinnati) – 100 Cincinnati Mills Dr.
Oregon
- Portland Gateway – 10010 NE Halsey St.
Pennsylvania
- Pottstown – 351 W Schuylkill Rd.
Texas
- North Dallas – 18224 Preston Rd.
Utah
- Riverton – 13319 S 3600 W Ste 13LOT
Virginia
- Herndon – 2100 Centerville Rd.
- Williamsburg – 100 Gristmill Plz
When will these stores close?
The closures are set to take place over the coming months, with all 27 stores expected to shut down by April 2025. Kohl’s has also announced plans to close its eCommerce Fulfillment Center in San Bernardino, California, in May 2024.
What happens to Kohl’s employees?
For employees affected by these closures, Kohl’s has outlined two options:
- Severance pay: Eligible employees can opt to receive a severance package.
- Job transfers: Employees may apply for positions at other Kohl’s locations.
How does this impact shoppers?
If one of these stores is in your area, you might need to visit a different Kohl’s location or shop online. Kohl’s e-commerce platform remains a robust option for customers, with a wide range of products available.
What is next for Kohl’s?
Kohl’s is facing competition in its retail trade because many traditional retailers are closing down their shops as a result of changes in consumer buying behavior and growing competition from online retail giants. Despite the ongoing closure, the company continues to stick to the long-term strategy that Kohl’s has established while still operating in most states.
For the time being, if you shop at the store, ensure that you check whether it is among the stores that are about to close so that you can make use of the sales.
