Introduction
In early 2025, Kohl’s made headlines when it announced 27 Kohl’s stores closing. This decision affected locations across 15 states and marked an important step in the company’s efforts to strengthen its business. Many shoppers wondered why these changes happened and what it means for them. This guide explains everything in simple terms. We cover the background, reasons, full list of stores, and more. Kohl’s remains a major retailer with over 1,100 stores still open, and it continues to serve customers through in-store and online shopping.
Kohl’s has been a trusted name in American retail for decades. The closures represent only a small part of its network—about 2-3% of all locations. Still, they show how retail companies adapt to changing times. Let’s look at the details.
Who Is Kohl’s? A Quick Look at the Company’s History
Kohl’s started small and grew big. In 1927, Maxwell Kohl, a Polish immigrant, opened a grocery store in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. His son, Herb Kohl, later helped expand the business. In 1962, the family opened the first Kohl’s department store in Brookfield, Wisconsin. It sold clothing, shoes, and home goods at low prices.
The company grew fast. By 1992, when Kohl’s went public, it had 76 stores in the Midwest. Over the years, Kohl’s spread across the United States. It focused on value, family-friendly products, and convenient locations. Today, Kohl’s sells clothes, beauty items, home decor, toys, and more. It partners with brands like Sephora for beauty shops inside stores.
Kohl’s has always aimed to offer quality at great prices. It built a strong reputation for customer service and easy shopping. Even with challenges, Kohl’s remains one of the largest department store chains in the country.
Why Did 27 Kohl’s Stores Closing Happen?
Retail is a tough business. Many stores face competition from online shopping, changing customer habits, and rising costs. In January 2025, Kohl’s announced it would close 27 Kohl’s stores closing because they were underperforming. These locations did not meet sales and profit goals.
The company said these steps were “difficult but necessary.” CEO Tom Kingsbury explained that Kohl’s needed to focus on its strongest stores. This helps the business stay healthy for customers and employees. The closures were part of a larger plan to improve operations.
Kohl’s also decided to close one e-commerce fulfillment center in San Bernardino, California, in May 2025. The company now fills online orders from stores instead of big warehouses in some cases. This change uses new technology and makes shipping faster.
These moves show Kohl’s adapting to a world where people shop both in stores and online. The company believes its main store base is strong and profitable.
The Full List of 27 Kohl’s Stores Closing
Here is the complete list of the 27 stores that closed by April 2025. The locations span 15 states. Each store had its own address for easy reference:
- 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 Centreville Rd.; Williamsburg – 100 Gristmill Plz
These stores closed after clearance sales. Customers had chances to shop deals before the doors shut.
How the Closures Affected Employees
Kohl’s took care of its workers. Every employee at the closing stores received notice ahead of time. The company offered two options:
- A competitive severance package to help during the transition.
- The chance to apply for open jobs at other Kohl’s locations.
Kohl’s thanked its teams for their hard work. Many associates moved to nearby stores or took other roles. This support helped reduce the stress of change.
What This Means for Customers
Most customers still have Kohl’s nearby. With over 1,100 stores left, shopping options remain strong. Online shopping at kohls.com grew even more important. Customers can order items and pick them up in stores or get home delivery.
Some people near closing stores switched to nearby locations. Others enjoyed online deals. Kohl’s keeps its focus on value, so prices stay low. The company also offers apps for coupons and rewards.
Kohl’s Leadership and Future Plans
In 2025, Kohl’s saw changes at the top. Tom Kingsbury stepped down as CEO in May 2025. Ashley Buchanan, former CEO of Michaels, took over. Kingsbury stayed as an advisor.
Kohl’s plans to invest in its best stores. It adds more Sephora sections and improves in-store experiences. The company boosts online tools and faster shipping. These steps aim to make shopping easier and more fun.
In 2025, Kohl’s reported sales dips but better profit margins. Closing weak stores helped focus on winners. Experts see this as part of a turnaround.
Broader Trends in Retail
Kohl’s is not alone. Many retailers close underperforming stores. Macy’s planned to shut dozens of locations too. Retail faces challenges from e-commerce giants, higher costs, and shifts in what people buy.
Still, physical stores matter. Customers like trying on clothes and seeing items in person. Kohl’s uses stores for online orders, which helps both sides. The future mixes in-store and online shopping.
Tips for Kohl’s Shoppers After the Closures
Here are simple tips to keep enjoying Kohl’s:
- Check the Kohl’s app or website for the nearest open store.
- Sign up for Kohl’s Rewards to earn points and get coupons.
- Shop online for free shipping on many items.
- Look for clearance deals at remaining stores.
- Use Sephora inside Kohl’s for beauty needs.
These steps make shopping simple and save money.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About 27 Kohl’s Stores Closing
Why did 27 Kohl’s stores closing happen? Kohl’s closed underperforming stores to focus on stronger ones and support long-term growth.
When did the 27 Kohl’s stores closing take place? The stores closed by April 2025, with some final days in late March.
Did Kohl’s close more stores after 2025? As of early 2026, no major new closures were announced beyond the 27.
Are Kohl’s employees okay after the 27 Kohl’s stores closing? Yes, Kohl’s offered severance or job transfers to all affected workers.
Can I still shop at Kohl’s if my store closed? Yes, visit nearby stores or shop online at kohls.com.
What is Kohl’s doing to improve? Kohl’s invests in top stores, online tools, and partnerships like Sephora.
Conclusion
The 27 Kohl’s stores closing in 2025 was a tough but smart step for the company. By focusing on high-performing locations and boosting online options, Kohl’s aims to stay strong. Shoppers still have many ways to enjoy Kohl’s deals and products. The retail world changes, but Kohl’s adapts to keep serving families.
Have you shopped at Kohl’s recently? Which products do you like most?
