Summary (tl;dr)

Kohl's has announced it does not plan any additional store closures for 2026, following the closure of 27 underperforming locations across 15 states in 2025, amidst ongoing sales declines but better-than-expected profits.

Essential Background

Kohl's, a major retail chain based in Wisconsin, has been navigating a challenging retail environment marked by evolving consumer preferences, the growth of e-commerce, and broader economic pressures. The company has faced a period of declining sales and a decrease in its stock value. In response to these market shifts and to improve profitability, Kohl's initiated a plan in January 2025 to close 27 underperforming stores across 15 states, with these closures finalized by March 29, 2025. A fulfillment center in San Bernardino, California, was also part of these closures.

The Full Story

The keyword "kohls stores closing" is trending because Kohl's recently confirmed that, despite a challenging sales environment, it does not anticipate any further store closures in 2026. This announcement comes after the company completed the closure of 27 stores in 2025. The retailer's latest financial report for the fourth quarter and full fiscal year 2025 (ending January 31, 2026) indicated continued sales declines, with net sales decreasing by 3.9% and 4.0% respectively. However, Kohl's outperformed profit expectations for Q4 2025, attributed to disciplined inventory management and reduced store expenses. CEO Michael J. Bender stated that the current strategy focuses on "optimizing" the company's existing 1,150 stores, more than 90% of which are profitable, rather than on further expansion or contraction.

Why It Matters

This trend highlights Kohl's' efforts to stabilize its business and adapt to the evolving retail landscape. The decision to halt further store closures for 2026 provides a degree of certainty for employees and communities previously impacted by the 2025 shutdowns. However, the ongoing challenge of declining sales underscores the persistent difficulties faced by traditional department stores in competing with online retailers and discount chains. Kohl's' focus on optimizing existing locations and improving productivity is crucial for its long-term viability in a highly competitive market where consumer spending habits continue to shift.

Geographic Location

• Spanish Fort, Baldwin County, Alabama, United States (store closure in 2025)
• Little Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas, United States (store closure in 2025)
• San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, California, United States (e-commerce fulfillment center closure in 2025)
• West Dundee, Kane County, Illinois, United States (Spring Hill store closure in 2025)
• Stoughton, Norfolk County, Massachusetts, United States (store closure in 2025)
• Sault Ste. Marie, Chippewa County, Michigan, United States (store closure in 2025)
• East Windsor, Mercer County, New Jersey, United States (store closure in 2025)
• Various locations across Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Texas, and Washington, United States (additional Kohl's stores closed in 2025)