Kohl’s ($KSS) is making a major strategic shift in 2026. After closing 27 underperforming stores in 2025, CEO Michael Bender says the company has no plans for additional mass store closures. Instead, Kohl’s will focus on improving productivity across its remaining 1,150 locations, with over 90% of stores currently profitable. However, the company still faces significant challenges. Kohl’s recently reported a 3.9% decline in fourth-quarter net sales, along with a 2.8% drop in comparable store sales, signaling ongoing pressure from changing consumer behavior and competition in the retail sector. To address this, Kohl’s is introducing new in-store strategies, including a “Deal Bar” featuring items priced at $10 or less, aimed at attracting budget-conscious shoppers and increasing foot traffic. Investors are now watching closely to see whether this shift toward store optimization and value-focused merchandising can reverse declining sales trends. With competitors like Target ($TGT), ...