Kohl’s announced it will close 27 underperforming stores in more than a dozen states by April 2025. The closures represent only a small portion of its 1,150 nationwide locations and are part of an effort to sharpen profitability while focusing on stronger markets. The company stressed that most of its stores continue to perform well.

The decision comes during a leadership transition. CEO Tom Kingsbury, who helped Kohl’s navigate recent retail challenges, will step down this week. He will be succeeded by Ashley Buchanan, current CEO of Michaels, while Kingsbury remains as an advisor and board member until his retirement in May.

Founded in 1962 and headquartered in Wisconsin, Kohl’s remains one of the largest department store chains in the U.S. But like many retailers, it faces pressure from e-commerce growth, rising costs, and changing consumer expectations for more curated in-store experiences. These shifts make restructuring necessary to stay competitive.

For customers, the closures mean relying more on online shopping or nearby locations. Employees in affected stores may face role transitions, though details have not yet been released. For investors, analysts see the move as part of a broader reset designed to streamline operations and refocus on growth. While it marks an end for some communities, Kohl’s sees it as a step toward staying relevant in a changing retail landscape.