Kohl's Corporation
American department store retail chain offering apparel, footwear, accessories, beauty, and home products across the United States.
Company Type
public
Founded
1962
Headquarters
Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, USA
Stock
NYSE: KSS
About Kohl's Corporation
Kohl's operates as an omnichannel department store retailer offering diverse product categories. The company's merchandise includes women's apparel (25% of 2024 sales), men's apparel, children's clothing, footwear, accessories, beauty products, and home goods. Kohl's emphasizes value pricing and brand partnerships with both national and private-label brands.
The company operates through physical stores and digital channels including Kohls.com and mobile app. Kohl's maintains centralized supply chain management and distribution operations supporting its extensive store network. The company focuses on customer experience, omnichannel integration, and operational efficiency.
History of Kohl's Corporation
Kohl's history began in 1927 when Polish immigrant Maxwell Kohl opened a corner grocery store in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The business expanded successfully as a grocery chain throughout the local area. In 1962, the company branched out by opening its first department store, marking a significant strategic shift.
Throughout the 1960s-1970s, Kohl's expanded its department store operations. In 1972, British American Tobacco Company took a controlling interest in the company while it remained managed by the Kohl family. In 1979, the corporation was sold to BATUS Inc. In 1986, a group of investors purchased the company from British American Tobacco, and it went public in 1992.
Throughout the 1990s-2000s, Kohl's expanded significantly, becoming the largest department store chain in the United States in May 2012, surpassing JCPenney. The company has adapted to changing retail trends, developing omnichannel capabilities with strong online presence. In 2025, the company experienced leadership transitions, with Michael Bender becoming permanent CEO in November 2025.
Brands Owned by Kohl's Corporation
Kohl's Corporation owns 0 brands in our database.
Stock Information
Kohl's Corporation Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Largest U.S. department store chain by location count
- +Strong brand recognition and customer loyalty
- +Omnichannel capabilities with integrated online/offline operations
- +Diverse product portfolio across multiple categories
- +Public ownership provides access to capital markets
- +Established supply chain and distribution infrastructure
- +Fortune 500 company with significant market position
Considerations
- -Vulnerability to retail industry disruption and e-commerce competition
- -Dependence on consumer discretionary spending
- -Competition from other department stores and specialty retailers
- -Supply chain complexity across 1,174 locations
- -Regulatory compliance across multiple jurisdictions
- -Economic sensitivity to consumer spending patterns
- -Recent leadership transitions and organizational changes
Frequently Asked Questions About Kohl's Corporation
Is Kohl's publicly traded?
Yes, Kohl's Corporation is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol KSS. Investors can purchase shares in the company and own a portion of its retail operations.
When was Kohl's founded?
Kohl's department store operations were founded in 1962, though the original Kohl's grocery store was established in 1927 by Maxwell Kohl. The company has operated for over 60 years as a department store.
How many Kohl's stores are there?
Kohl's operates 1,174 stores across all U.S. states except Hawaii as of 2025, making it the largest department store chain in the United States.
Who is the current CEO of Kohl's?
Michael Bender became permanent CEO of Kohl's in November 2025, after serving as interim CEO following the departure of previous leadership.
What products does Kohl's sell?
Kohl's sells apparel, footwear, accessories, beauty products, and home goods for men, women, and children through both physical stores and online channels.
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