Kohl’s has announced plans to close 27 stores across more than a dozen U.S. states, aiming to strengthen the company’s financial performance. The closures, expected to be completed by April, represent a small portion of the retailer’s roughly 1,150 locations nationwide. Company leaders emphasized that the majority of stores remain profitable and continue to serve customers successfully.

The stores chosen for closure were identified as underperforming, making this move part of a broader strategy to allocate resources to stronger markets. Outgoing CEO Tom Kingsbury described the decision as difficult but necessary to ensure long-term stability. Leadership will soon transition to Ashley Buchanan, who will take over as chief executive, while Kingsbury will stay on as an advisor for a brief period.

Like many department store chains, Kohl’s has faced challenges in recent years as consumer shopping habits evolve. Shoppers increasingly favor online options, and overall sales have softened. The retailer recently projected a weaker holiday season than anticipated, which contributed to pressure on its stock performance. The closures mirror similar announcements from other major retailers adapting to changing consumer behavior and economic pressures.

Kohl’s says its focus will now be on profitable locations, while continuing efforts to modernize stores and enhance the shopping experience nationwide. The company remains committed to serving its customers effectively, even as it adjusts to a shifting retail landscape. By concentrating on strong markets and improving store performance, Kohl’s aims to maintain competitiveness and position itself for sustainable growth in the evolving retail environment.