Kohl’s To Cut 15 Percent Of Corporate Workforce Amid Sales Slump

Menominee Falls-based Kohl’s Corp. will cut 15 percent of its corporate workforce, a company spokesperson confirmed Tuesday afternoon.

The move was first reported by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

In a statement, Kohl’s senior vice president of communications Jen Johnson said the staff reductions are a “difficult but necessary step” as the company continues to deal with ongoing pressure related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Locations facing layoffs include the company’s Wisconsin headquarters, as well as corporate offices in New York and California. A company spokesperson did not respond to a question about how many Wisconsin positions will be cut.

The layoffs come after the company faced two fiscal quarters in a row of slumping sales. In its last quarter, sales were down 23 percent compared to the year prior. That marked an improvement from the quarter before that when sales were down 43 percent compared to the previous year.

“Kohl’s continues to maintain a strong balance sheet and cash position to help navigate through the crisis, and will continue to exercise financial discipline through diligent expense and inventory management,” Johnson said. “Through prudent management, disciplined investment in key areas, and smart long-term strategic planning, we are well positioned to capitalize on evolving customer behaviors and the retail industry disruption. The organizational changes we’ve made and keen focus on our strategic business priorities will continue to support our long-term success.”

A spokesperson said both current employees and positions that are unfilled within the company will be included in the total 15 percent reduction.

Johnson said the company has “put a great deal of thought into this decision.” According to the statement the company has offered a “competitive severance package and outplacement services to help all affected associates as they transition to their next step.”