
Kohl's Boosts Sales with Private Labels, Partnerships
About this episode
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%.
Support the show:
Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn.
Advertise on DNN:
[email protected]
This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Report issues to [email protected].
View sources & latest updates:
https://sources.thednn.ai/d02b87031c8f4a8c
Get every episode summarized
Each time Durham News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
Transcript ready
29 searchable segments. Every word is indexed and playable.
Full transcript
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.
More episodes
More from Durham News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!

NATS Glitch Grounds 1750 Flights | Durham News
Durham News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!

Alix Earle Reveals Behind-the-Scenes Drama | Durham News
Durham News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!

Ella and Belmont Reunite on Set | Durham News
Durham News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!

Sam Jones BBQ Expands to Raleigh Food Hall | Durham News
Durham News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!