Kohl's Shutters 27 Stores Across 15 States

Retailer cites underperformance as it battles slumping sales and shifts to e-commerce

Mar. 18, 2026 at 6:04am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Kohl's, the Wisconsin-based retail giant, is closing 27 underperforming stores across 15 states this weekend, marking a pivotal moment in the company's ongoing battle against declining sales and changing consumer habits. The affected stores span several states, and the closures signal broader challenges facing the department store sector as it grapples with the rise of e-commerce and economic pressures.

Why it matters

These Kohl's closures highlight the broader challenges facing the retail industry, as brick-and-mortar chains struggle to adapt to the shift towards online shopping. The shutdowns also reflect the broader economic pressures impacting the sector, with inflation and consumer preferences for digital shopping exacerbating the issue.

The details

The 27 stores set to close are located in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Texas, and Washington. This includes the Spanish Fort store in Alabama and the Little Rock location in Arkansas. Additionally, Kohl's is shuttering its San Bernardino, California fulfillment center, which handles e-commerce operations.

  • The affected stores will be closed by March 29, 2025.
  • Three Kohl's locations had already shuttered prior to the main wave of closures.

The players

Kohl's

A Wisconsin-based retail giant with over 1,150 stores nationwide.

Tom Kingsbury

The CEO of Kohl's who emphasized the need to make tough decisions to bolster the company's long-term health.

Ashley Buchanan

The new CEO of Kohl's who aims to balance the retailer's demographics, appealing to both loyal in-store shoppers and digital natives.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

The takeaway

These Kohl's closures underscore the broader challenges facing the retail industry, as department stores grapple with the shift to e-commerce and changing consumer preferences. While painful for affected communities, the closures position Kohl's to adapt and innovate in a highly competitive market, potentially through partnerships, space optimization, and a renewed focus on its core apparel and home goods offerings.