Kohl’s Closing: A Comprehensive Overview of the Retailer’s Strategic Move

Kohl’s, based in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, has announced plans to close 27 stores across 15 states by April 2025. This decision is part of the retailer’s efforts to boost profitability and combat declining sales, which have dropped for 11 consecutive quarters. The closures represent less than 3% of Kohl’s over 1,150-store network.

Outgoing CEO Tom Kingsbury, set to leave his role on January 15, 2025, stated that these closures are essential to ensuring the company’s long-term stability and growth. Ashley Buchanan, former CEO of Michaels Companies, will succeed Kingsbury as Kohl’s new CEO.

Employees impacted by the store closures have been offered competitive severance packages or the chance to apply for other positions within the company. In addition to the retail locations, Kohl’s will also shutter its e-commerce fulfillment center in San Bernardino, California, by May 2025.

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Why Is Kohl’s Closing Stores?

Kohl’s, headquartered in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, has been grappling with a challenging retail environment marked by 11 consecutive quarters of declining sales. The company’s CEO, Tom Kingsbury, emphasized that the closures are a necessary step to secure the future health and growth of the business. According to Kohl’s, these stores represented underperforming locations within their more than 1,150-store network.

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States Affected by Kohl’s Closures

Here is a detailed list of states and cities where Kohl’s stores will shut down:

State	City/Address
Alabama	Spanish Fort: 21000 Town Center Ave.
Arkansas	Little Rock West: 13909 Chenal Pkwy.
California	Includes San Diego, Encinitas, Napa, and more
Colorado	Aurora: 6584 S Parker Rd.
Georgia	Duluth: 2050 W Liddell Rd.
Illinois	Includes Plainfield, West Dundee
Massachusetts	Stoughton: 501 Technology Center Dr.
New Jersey	East Windsor: 72 Princeton Hightstown Rd.
Ohio	Includes Blue Ash, Cincinnati
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
Virginia	Includes Herndon, Williamsburg

Specific locations of the 27 Kohl’s stores that will be closing by April 2025:

Here are the locations of the 27 Kohl’s stores set to close by April 2025 as part of the company’s restructuring plan to enhance profitability and address declining sales. Employees at these stores have been offered competitive severance packages or opportunities to apply for other roles within the company:

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.

Alabama

• Spanish Fort: 21000 Town Center Ave.

Arkansas

• Little Rock West: 13909 Chenal Parkway

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 Road

Massachusetts

• Stoughton: 501 Technology Center Drive

New Jersey

• East Windsor: 72 Princeton Hightstown Rd.

Ohio

• Blue Ash: 4150 Hunt Road
• Forest Park (Cincinnati): 100 Cincinnati Mills Drive

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

Virginia

• Herndon: 2100 Centreville Rd.
• Williamsburg: 100 Gristmill Plaza

These closures reflect Kohl’s commitment to streamlining operations while focusing on long-term financial health.

Impact on Employees

Employees at the closing locations have been offered competitive severance packages or the opportunity to apply for open roles in other Kohl’s stores. This approach underscores Kohl’s commitment to supporting its workforce during this transition.

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Changes in Logistics: Fulfillment Center Closure

In addition to the store closures, Kohl’s will shut down its e-commerce fulfillment center in San Bernardino, California, by May 2025. The company plans to streamline operations by fulfilling customer orders directly from its remaining store locations.

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Leadership Transition

This pivotal moment for Kohl’s coincides with a change in leadership. Tom Kingsbury, the current CEO, will step down on January 15, 2025. Ashley Buchanan, former CEO of Michaels Companies, will take over the reins, bringing fresh perspectives to the company’s transformation strategy.

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What’s Next for Kohl’s?

As Kohl’s continues to adapt to evolving consumer behavior, the retailer has implemented various initiatives, such as adding Babies R Us shops in 200 of its stores, to drive foot traffic and offset declining sales. The company’s future plans remain focused on optimizing its store portfolio and leveraging its e-commerce platform.

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Let’s Summarize

The decision to close 27 stores by April 2025 marks a strategic effort by Kohl’s to improve profitability and adapt to market challenges. While this move impacts several communities, the company’s initiatives, including severance packages and new leadership, reflect a commitment to navigating this transformation effectively.