If you’ve driven past your local Kohl’s lately and seen those giant "Store Closing" banners, you aren’t alone. Honestly, it feels like every time we turn around another retail giant is trimming the fat.
In early 2025, Kohl’s officially pulled the plug on 27 of its underperforming locations. It’s a move that has people asking if the department store model is basically dead or if this is just a smart pivot.
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While 27 stores might sound like a drop in the bucket—Kohl’s has over 1,150 spots across the country—the specific locations chosen tell a much bigger story about where the company is heading. They aren't just closing doors; they're also shutting down massive e-commerce fulfillment centers, including a major hub in San Bernardino, California, and another in Middletown, Ohio.
What Really Happened with Kohl's Store Closures 2025
So, why now? Basically, it comes down to foot traffic and cold, hard cash.
Tom Kingsbury, who was leading the ship as CEO during the announcement, didn't sugarcoat it much. He called these "difficult but necessary actions." Most of these 27 stores were bleeding money or just weren't seeing the "trip assurance" that Kohl's needs to justify the high rent of a suburban strip mall.
California took the biggest hit. Out of the 27 closures, ten were in the Golden State. Locations in places like Napa, San Rafael, and San Diego (Balboa Ave) got the axe. If you live in Illinois, you saw the Plainfield and West Dundee spots go dark. Virginia lost its Herndon and Williamsburg stores.
It’s not just about the stores, though. The closure of the San Bernardino and Monroe fulfillment centers signals a massive shift in how they handle online orders. They are consolidating everything into their 900,000-square-foot facility in Plainfield, Indiana. It’s about being lean.
Is Your Local Store on the List?
People hate losing their local spot. It's where you return your Amazon packages or grab a last-minute gift. Here is a quick look at where the 2025 closures hit hardest:
- California: 10 stores (including Fremont, Mountain View, and Westchester).
- Ohio: 2 stores (Blue Ash and Forest Park).
- Illinois: 2 stores (Plainfield and West Dundee).
- Virginia: 2 stores (Herndon and Williamsburg).
- Other States: Single closures in Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Utah.
If your store isn't on this specific list, you're likely safe for now. Kohl’s is doubling down on its "store-within-a-store" concept.
The Sephora Lifeline
You can’t talk about Kohl’s without talking about Sephora. It is literally the only reason some people still walk through those sliding glass doors.
The partnership is on track to hit $2 billion in sales by 2025. That is a massive chunk of change. Kohl’s is actually opening new smaller-format stores—about 35,000 square feet—instead of the massive 80,000-square-foot monsters we grew up with.
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These smaller stores are cheaper to run and easier to fill with high-margin beauty products. They are essentially betting the farm on the idea that you’ll come in for a Fenty lipstick and leave with a pair of TekGear leggings.
Why the 2025 Closures Are Different
In the past, store closures usually meant a company was circling the drain (think Sears or Bed Bath & Beyond). But Kohl’s is in a weird middle ground.
They are still profitable in many areas, but their "comparable sales"—a fancy term for sales at stores open at least a year—have been dipping for years. In the third quarter of 2025, those sales were down about 1.7%. That’s not a total disaster, but it’s a slow leak.
By closing the bottom 3% of their stores, they are trying to protect the other 97%. It's surgery, not an autopsy.
Looking Ahead: Will More Stores Close?
Experts like R.J. Hottovy from Placer.ai suggest that this isn't necessarily the end.
Retail is shifting. We’re seeing a "Great Retail Reset" where over 15,000 stores across all brands are expected to close in 2025. When you compare Kohl’s 27 closures to Walgreens closing 1,200 or CVS closing 270, it looks relatively tame.
However, if inflation keeps biting into people's "fun money," Kohl's might have to look at the map again in late 2026. They are currently focused on "white space" categories—things like home decor and "Impulse" queuing lines (those little items you grab while waiting to checkout).
Actionable Insights for Kohl's Shoppers
If you're a regular, don't panic, but do be smart about how you shop.
1. Check Your Kohl's Cash: If your local store is closing, they will usually accept Kohl's Cash right up until the final day. But don't wait. Use it online or at a neighboring location if you can.
2. Watch the Liquidation Sales: The 27 stores on the 2025 list usually have massive "everything must go" sales. These aren't your typical 20% off coupons. We're talking deep, deep discounts as they clear the floor.
3. Shift to the App: Since Kohl’s is consolidating its fulfillment centers, their shipping speeds might actually improve for some regions. The app is often where the best "hidden" clearance lives anyway.
4. The Amazon Return Factor: If your local Kohl's closed, you'll need a new Amazon return hub. Check Whole Foods or Staples, as they've picked up the slack in many markets where Kohl's pulled out.
Kohl's is basically trying to shrink its way back to health. It's a risky move, but in a world where everyone buys their basics on Amazon or Temu, being a "pretty good" department store isn't enough anymore. They have to be a beauty destination, or they might end up as another cautionary tale in retail history.
Next Steps for You
Check the official Kohl's store locator to see if your primary location was affected by the 2025 restructuring. If it was, ensure you have transitioned your "Set My Store" settings in the Kohl's App to the next nearest location to continue receiving localized coupons and inventory alerts.