Kohl’s Leadership Assures No Additional Closures This Year

Kohl’s CEO, Michael Bender, has reassured both customers and employees that there won’t be any more store closures this year as the company aims to revive its business.

In 2025, the struggling department store chain shuttered 27 locations across 15 states, including an e-commerce fulfillment center in California. Former CEO Tom Kingsbury described this move as “necessary” to foster the company’s long-term health.

When Bender stepped into his role in November, he became the fourth permanent CEO in three years, following the controversial firing of Ashley Buchanan. Understandably, customers were anxious that Bender might also propose more closures to stimulate sales for the Wisconsin-based retailer.

“At this moment, we’re not looking to eliminate or add stores significantly,” Bender told investors during a recent earnings call, addressing inquiries about potential closures.

He noted that more than 90% of Kohl’s 1,150 stores remain profitable but stressed the need to assess each store’s “hygiene” to ensure it is set for growth.

“Our primary focus is on optimizing our existing stores. We intend to enhance their productivity as much as we can,” he added.

Like many department store chains, Kohl’s has had a tough time recovering from declining sales, facing stiff competition from e-commerce giants like Amazon, Tem, and Shein.

In the last quarter, same-store sales dropped by 2.8%, although earnings per share reached $1.07, surpassing Wall Street’s expectations of 86 cents. For the entire year of 2025, comparable store sales fell by 3.1%.

After Bender’s appointment, Kohl’s stock surged initially, yet it has plummeted over 37% this year, closing at $12.69 on Tuesday.

Bender, who has extensive experience in retail with past positions at Victoria’s Secret and Walmart, took over following Buchanan’s dismissal due to ethical concerns linked to his undisclosed relationship. Reports indicated that Buchanan and Chandra Holt had kept their connection hidden from several major retailers for at least five years while living together in a luxury Texas mansion.

Since assuming the role, Bender has intensified efforts to attract budget-conscious shoppers, focusing on private labels, discounts, and introducing new products. He is also working on streamlining Kohl’s partnerships with brands like Sephora and Babies R Us.