Curious about Kohl's footprint across the United States? You've come to the right place! Ever wondered just how many Kohl's stores are out there, making it convenient for millions of shoppers like you to find everything from everyday essentials to special occasion outfits? Well, get ready to dive deep into the world of Kohl's retail presence, from its impressive store count to its nationwide reach.
Step 1: Unveiling the National Footprint – How Many Kohl's Stores Are There?
Let's cut right to the chase! As of early 2025, Kohl's boasts an impressive number of stores across the United States. While exact figures can fluctuate slightly due to ongoing business decisions, Kohl's generally operates over 1,100 stores nationwide, specifically around 1,175 locations as of the 2025 estimates. This vast network ensures that a Kohl's store is often within easy reach for the majority of American households.
Think about it: that's a lot of Kohl's Cash waiting to be earned and redeemed!
A. The Broad Reach: 49 States and Counting
Kohl's has established a strong presence across almost the entire U.S. map. In fact, Kohl's operates stores in 49 out of the 50 states, with Hawaii being the sole exception. This widespread distribution is a testament to Kohl's strategy of being a convenient, accessible shopping destination for a broad customer base.
B. A Historical Glimpse: From Regional Chain to National Powerhouse
Kohl's journey to becoming a national retail giant is quite fascinating. Founded in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1927 as a grocery store, it eventually branched into department stores in 1962. By 1992, when the company went public, it had 76 stores primarily in the Midwest. Its significant expansion began in the 2000s, leading to a coast-to-coast presence by 2003 with the opening of 28 stores in California.
It's incredible to see how much a business can grow over the decades, adapting to changing consumer needs and market dynamics!
Step 2: Understanding Store Count Dynamics – More Than Just a Number
The number of stores a retailer has isn't static. It's a dynamic figure influenced by strategic decisions, market conditions, and evolving consumer behaviors.
A. Recent Trends in Store Count (2020-2025 Est.)
Kohl's store count has remained relatively stable in recent years, with some minor fluctuations:
As you can see, there's a slight ebb and flow, but the overall number remains consistently high.
B. Strategic Openings and Closures
Kohl's, like many large retailers, periodically assesses its store performance and market potential, leading to strategic openings and closures. For example, in early 2025, Kohl's announced the closure of 27 "underperforming" stores across 15 states. These decisions are typically made to optimize the store portfolio and focus resources on locations that are more profitable or have higher growth potential.
This proactive approach ensures that Kohl's maintains a healthy and efficient physical retail footprint.
Step 3: Where Are They All? Top States by Kohl's Store Count
While Kohl's is present in almost every state, some states naturally have a higher concentration of stores due to population density, market demand, and historical expansion.
Here's a look at the estimated top 10 states by Kohl's store count for 2025:
- California: 117 stores
- Texas: 96 stores
- Illinois: 85 stores
- Florida: 80 stores
- Ohio: 77 stores
- Pennsylvania: 72 stores
- Wisconsin: 69 stores
- Michigan: 66 stores
- New York: 63 stores
- Minnesota: 59 stores
These states represent key markets for Kohl's, reflecting strong consumer bases and strategic positioning.
Step 4: The Omni-Channel Strategy – Stores as a Hub
In today's retail landscape, it's not just about the number of physical stores, but how those stores integrate with online shopping. Kohl's has adopted a robust omni-channel strategy where its physical locations play a crucial role.
A. Enhancing the In-Store Experience
Kohl's is investing in modernizing its stores to provide a more inviting and convenient experience. This includes features like:
- In-Store Pickup and Drive-Up: Offering convenient options for customers to collect online orders.
- Self-Pick Up: Streamlining the pickup process.
- Amazon Returns: A unique partnership that drives foot traffic to stores.
- Sephora at Kohl's: This highly successful partnership has brought a popular beauty destination to over 1,000 Kohl's locations, attracting new customers and enhancing the overall shopping experience.
These initiatives highlight how physical stores are evolving to meet modern consumer expectations.
B. Beyond Brick-and-Mortar: The Digital Connection
While the physical store count is significant, Kohl's also heavily leverages its digital platforms:
- Kohls.com: A robust e-commerce website offering a vast selection.
- Kohl's App: With millions of active users, the app provides personalized deals, Kohl's Cash management, and a seamless shopping experience.
It's a true blend of the best of both worlds – the tangibility of in-store shopping with the convenience of online access.
Step 5: The Future of Kohl's Store Footprint
Kohl's continues to adapt and innovate in the ever-changing retail environment. Their strategy is focused on driving long-term value by:
- Curated Assortment: Offering a balanced mix of national brands, private labels, and exclusive collaborations.
- Value and Quality: Reaffirming its position as a leader in offering good value.
- Frictionless Omni-channel Experience: Ensuring a smooth transition between online and in-store shopping.
Expect Kohl's to continue optimizing its store locations and investing in strategies that enhance the customer journey, whether online or in person.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to find the nearest Kohl's store? You can easily find the nearest Kohl's store by using the "Store Locator" feature on Kohls.com or through the Kohl's mobile app.
How to know if a specific Kohl's store is closing? Information about specific store closures is often announced through official Kohl's press releases and can be found on financial news websites or local news outlets.
How to check Kohl's store hours? Store hours for any Kohl's location can be found on their respective store pages on Kohls.com or by calling the store directly.
How to utilize Kohl's in-store services like Amazon Returns? Simply bring your eligible Amazon return items to the customer service desk at any participating Kohl's store; no box or label is needed for most returns.
How to pick up an online order at a Kohl's store? When placing an order online, select "Store Pickup" or "Drive Up." You'll receive an email or app notification when your order is ready for pickup.
How to apply for a job at a Kohl's store? Job applications for Kohl's store positions can typically be submitted through the "Careers" section on the Kohl's corporate website.
How to get the best deals at Kohl's stores? To get the best deals, sign up for Kohl's Rewards, apply for a Kohl's Card for exclusive discounts, and keep an eye out for Kohl's Cash earning periods and redemption opportunities.
How to tell the difference between urban and suburban Kohl's stores? While not officially categorized this way for customers, Kohl's store data indicates a higher concentration of stores in suburban locations (around 68-69% of their total footprint).
How to learn about new Kohl's store openings? New store openings are usually announced in Kohl's investor relations news or on their corporate website.
How to provide feedback on a Kohl's store experience? Kohl's usually offers options for customer feedback on their website, through surveys after purchases, or directly with store management.
