Kohl’s has confirmed it will close 27 locations across 14 states by April 2025, as part of a broader effort to streamline operations and improve profitability. According to a report from TheStreet, the struggling retailer is making difficult but necessary adjustments to secure its long-term future. The closures come as the retail industry continues to grapple with economic challenges, shifting consumer habits, and rising operational costs.
Kohl’s, which operates primarily in strip plazas rather than traditional shopping malls, has struggled to maintain profitability in an increasingly competitive retail landscape. CEO Tom Kingsbury emphasized that these closures are part of a larger strategy to strengthen the company’s financial health while continuing to serve customers.
Retailers Struggle to Recover From Pandemic Fallout
The early 2020s have been a turbulent period for retailers, with many major brands forced to shrink their footprints or file for bankruptcy. The onset of COVID-19 led to widespread store closures, and while many businesses have since reopened, shifts in consumer behavior, inflation, and economic uncertainty have continued to take a toll.
In recent years, several well-known brands, including Party City, Joann, Bowflex, The Body Shop, Express, and Rue 21, have either declared bankruptcy or significantly reduced their store presence. For most of these companies, the challenges stem from a combination of declining sales, changing market trends, and financial struggles.
Kohl’s Store Closures: Full List of Locations
Kohl’s has now revealed the specific locations set to close, affecting stores in 14 states:
- Alabama: Spanish Fort – 21000 Town Center Ave.
- Arkansas: Little Rock West – 13909 Chenal Pkwy.
- California: Balboa (San Diego), Encinitas, Fremont, Mountain View, Napa, Pleasanton, Sacramento, San Rafael, San Luis Obispo, Westchester
- Colorado: Aurora – Arapahoe Crossing
- Georgia: Duluth
- Idaho: Boise
- Illinois: Plainfield, West Dundee – Spring Hill
- Massachusetts: Stoughton
- New Jersey: East Windsor
- Ohio: Blue Ash, Cincinnati – Forest Park
- Oregon: Portland – Gateway
- Pennsylvania: Pottstown
- Texas: North Dallas
- Utah: Riverton
- Virginia: Herndon, Williamsburg
All 27 locations will shut down by April 2025, and Kohl’s has not yet indicated whether further closures are planned.
A Necessary Move for Long-Term Stability
Despite the difficult decision, Kohl’s leadership remains focused on adapting to the evolving retail market. CEO Tom Kingsbury acknowledged the impact of the closures but stressed that they are part of a larger effort to position the company for future success.
“We always take these decisions very seriously,” Kingsbury stated. “As we continue to build on our long-term growth strategy, it is important that we also take difficult but necessary actions to support the health and future of our business for our customers and our teams.”
While Kohl’s is downsizing in some areas, the company is also exploring new strategies and partnerships to strengthen its brand and better align with modern consumer preferences.
