Kohl’s

Summary

Featuring in the Fortune 500 company listing in 2008, Kohl’s is a omnichannel retailer with over 1,100 stores. With a vision to empower families to lead fulfilled lives, Kohl’s offers great products, incredible savings and an seamless shopping experience at its stores, online at Kohls.com and on its mobile app.

 History

Polish Jewish immigrant Maxwell Kohl, who operated grocery stores since 1927, opened a supermarket in 1946. After transforming Kohl’s Food Stores into the largest supermarket chain in Milwaukee, Wisconsin he opened a department store in Brookfield in 1962.

A decade later, British American Tobacco Company’s U.S. retail dvision, Batus Inc., purchased controlling interest in Kohl’s Corporation, which had fifty grocery stores, six department stores, three drug stores and three liquor stores. Allen and Herb Kohl stayed on as management although Herb left in seven years and became US Senator. Kohl’s Food Store were sold to A&P in 1983.

When A&P put it up for sale In 2003 to reduce debt, Chairman and CEO William S. Kellogg led a management buyout. Building on the forty department stores, the company added twenty-seven more stores over two years. In 1988, it acquired twenty-six locations from MainStreet, a department store chain in Chicago, Illinois.

Kohl’s began trading on New York Stock Exchange under the symbol KSS on May 19, 1992. The company sold its credit card division in 2006 to multinational investment bank and financial services holding company J.P. Morgan Chase for $1.5 billion. New York advertising and public relations agency DeVito-Verdi was hired to build the brand image with campaigns on national television, online and social media.

In 2015, the company opened its first test store of Off-Aisle, offering discounted merchandise on products that customers returned to Kohl’s. This division shut down in three years. In 2016, Kohl’s continued its growth trajectory by adding Capital One- backed private label Kohl’s Card to its app to create Kohl’s Pay — the first integrated mobile checkout solution for a retailer in the US, combining Kohl’s Card, Kohl’s Cash, Kohl’s Yes-2-You Rewards and Kohl’s coupons into a single QR Code Payment.

Currently, Kohl’s is helmed by CEO Michelle Gass who ”feels that she has gone through three leadership phases at the company: rescue, review, reimagine” per Forbes. The company is focusing on three things to drive growth. One, online sales with curb-side pickup; two, fine-tuning the rewards programme; three, focusing on product based on evolving consumer preferences. The era has also witnessed key collaborations, such as a deal with Amazon where Kohl’s accepts returns for the e-commerce giant. And an alliance with Lands’ End, through which its casual wear will be available in a few stores.

Vision

Kohl’s envisions itself as a leading, accessible retail destination where customers of all backgrounds can find quality products that comeplement their lifestyles. By curating a diverse selection of affordable and stylish options across apparel, home collections, and essentials, Kohl’s aims to be a one-stop shop that caters to individuals and families alike. This vision reflects Kohl’s commitment to being a welcoming and inclusive space for everyone, fostering an enjoyable shopping experience that combines value with variety.

Kohl’s forward-thinking approach focuses on the integration of technology and customer-centric innovation. As retail trends continue to evolve, Kohl’s seeks to leverage digital tools and data insights to enhance its customer experience, both online and in store. The company envisions a future where seamless shopping experiences are possible across digital and physical spaces, with personalized recommendations and efficient service becoming a standard part of the Kohl’s journey. This commitment to technological advancement reflects Kohl’s aspiration to remain competitive and relevant in a rapidly evolving retail landscape.

Aligned with its vision of creating a positive impact, Kohl’s is dedicated to supporting local communities and fostering sustainable practices. The company is committed to reducing its environmental footprint by adopting eco-friendly materials, minimizing waste, and improving energy efficiency across its operations. Additionally, Kohl’s envisions itself as an active participant in community-building initiatives, focusing on partnerships and programs that benefit families and local neighborhoods. By prioritizing sustainability and community engagement, Kohl’s vision goes beyond retail success to include a broader commitment to societal well-being.

Mission

Kohl’s mission, Kohl Cares, stands as a testament to the retailer’s commitment to making a positive impact on the world. They recognize that their success is not just measured by sales or growth but by the value they bring to the lives of those connected to Kohl’s. Every day, the team strives to serve their associates with respect, support their customers with quality and care, uplift their communities through partnerships and contributions, and protect the planet through sustainable practices. Their mission is deeply rooted in the belief that businesses can be a force for good, fostering environments where people feel supported and valued. Whether it’s through providing a welcoming space for shoppers, investing in their employees’ well-being, or reducing their ecological footprint, Kohl’s Cares is an unwavering promise to prioritize people and the planet.

Creating meaningful change is more than a goal; it is a guiding principle in every action the team takes. They aspire to brighten each day by driving initiatives that foster inclusivity, sustainability, and compassion. By dedicating resources and efforts to local communities and environmental causes, they seek to inspire positive change that resonates far beyond the walls of the stores. At Kohl’s, the team believes that even small gestures can have a profound impact, creating ripples of hope and positivity that build stronger, healthier, and more resilient communities. Their commitment is to continuously grow as a brand that cares—leaving an enduring legacy of empathy, stewardship, and social responsibility for generations to come.

Products and Services

Kohl’s offers an extensive selection of products designed to meet the diverse needs of its customers. From clothing and footwear for all ages to home goods and seasonal decor, Kohl’s provides quality items at affordable prices. The apparel collections include top brands and exclusive partnerships, ensuring that shoppers have access to the latest styles and trends. In addition to fashion, Kohl’s also offers a vast selection of home essentials, from kitchen appliances to bedding and furniture, making it a one-stop destination for enhancing both personal style and home comfort. Through thoughtfully curated selections, Kohl’s aims to make everyday life more enjoyable, functional, and stylish for families across the country.

Beyond products, Kohl’s is dedicated to delivering exceptional services that elevate the customer shopping experience. Kohl’s Cash, for instance, is a loyalty program designed to provide shoppers with extra savings on future purchases, while Kohl’s Rewards offers personalized benefits to members. The convenient Buy Online, Pick Up In-Store (BOPIS) and curbside pickup options provide flexibility for customers looking to shop on their terms. Additionally, Kohl’s seamless integration with Amazon returns allows customers to return Amazon purchases in-store, simplifying the return process. With a focus on convenience, value, and customer satisfaction, Kohl’s continually enhances its services to make shopping easier and more rewarding for everyone.