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Kohl's Boosts Sales with Private Labels, Partnerships

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Kohls Department Stores Struggle, But Private Labels and Partnerships Offer Hope

Foot traffic data reveals a significant shift in shopper preferences, with off-price retailers like TJ Maxx and Ross Dress for Less gaining popularity, while department stores like Kohls face tough times. In 2025, off-price retailers saw a 62.9% increase in visits, while department stores slipped to 37.1%. Kohls, in particular, experienced a 5% drop in visits during the fourth quarter of 2025.

Price-conscious buyers, especially millennials and Gen Z, are driving this change, favoring store brands and value-oriented shopping. In response, Kohls is focusing on private label products, such as FLX Golf for mens activewear and Sea plus Sky for teen girls, and promoting these affordable options through their By Kohls campaign.

Additionally, Kohls is leveraging partnerships to attract customers. New Babies R Us gifting stations offer baby gear from popular brands, and expanded Sephora shops inside stores feature lines like MAC Cosmetics. These collaborations have contributed to Sephoras nearly two billion dollar business in just four years.

As Kohls prepares for their upcoming earnings call, analysts are closely watching sales and profits. The company is expected to report sales of around five point two billion dollars for the fourth quarter, up slightly from the previous quarter, with profits climbing to ninety-two million dollars. However, comparable sales could dip by 1.5%.

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Kohl's Boosts Sales with Private Labels, Partnerships

Durham News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!

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Durham News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!Kohl's Boosts Sales with Private Labels, Partnerships. Machine-transcribed; use the interactive transcript above to jump the player to any line.

It's March 9th in Durham, let's get into the news. Cole's department stores have faced tough times lately as shoppers flock to discount chains like TJ Maxx and Ross Dress for less. Foot traffic data shows visits to off-price retailers jump to 62.9% in 2025, while department stores slip too, just 37.1%. That's a big shift from 2019 when department stores still drew over half of shoppers. Some department stores like Nordstrom and Vaughan Mar are holding steady or even growing thanks to strong brands and service. With chains without those edges, including Cole's, saw visits draw 5% in the fourth quarter of 2025. Price conscious buyers are driving the change, especially millennials in Gen Z, who favor store brands. Cole's is fighting back by ramping up private label products. They added FLX golf or mince active wear and C++ Sky for teen girls, plus A by Cole's campaign to spotlight these affordable options.

Data shows younger shoppers increasingly pick private labels for value without skimping on style. The chain is also leaning on partnerships. New babies RS gifting stations offer baby gear from brands like Fisher Price and Sephora shops inside stores are expanding with lines like MAC, Cosmetics. Sales say Sephora has built a nearly $2 billion business in just 4 years. Analysts are watching Cole's upcoming earnings call closely. Sales are expected around $5.2 billion for the fourth quarter, up slightly from $5.18 billion in the third, with profits climbing to $92 million. But comparable sales could dip 1.5%. Special thanks to our sponsor for supporting this episode. A pillow that plays your podcast, music, or white noise privately. No earbuds required. S-O-L-I, solelypillow.com.

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