Kohl's CEO reveals big decision on closing stores after 2025 shutdowns, sales drop

Core Insights - Kohl's CEO Michael Bender has assured that there will not be significant store closures this year, focusing instead on optimizing existing locations [3][4] - The company has experienced declining sales, with same-store sales dropping 2.8% in the most recent quarter and 3.1% over the full fiscal year 2025 [5] Company Strategy - Bender emphasized the importance of enhancing store productivity and ensuring that over 90% of Kohl's approximately 1,150 locations remain profitable [3][4] - The company is prioritizing private-label brands, discounts, and new product releases to attract cash-strapped customers [7] Recent Performance - Kohl's reported earnings per share of $1.07, exceeding Wall Street estimates of 86 cents, despite the decline in same-store sales [5] - The stock price has decreased by more than 37% this year, closing at $12.69 [5] Leadership Changes - Bender became CEO after the firing of Ashley Buchanan due to conflicts of interest, marking the fourth CEO change in three years [6]