A KOHL’S store has served its final customers – just one year after the chain shuttered dozens of locations.
It follows the closing of Joann Fabrics, Bath and Body Works and Family Fare stores in the same center in Michigan.
The US department store chain shut its branch in the Cascade Crossing shopping center in Sault Ste. Marie, which borders Ontario, Canada in the state’s upper peninsula, on March 14.
It followed a massive clearance sale.
The store’s boss confirmed the shuttering while expressing his sadness on social media in late January.
“It is with a heavy heart we have to inform our community that the Sault Sainte Marie Kohl’s will be closing,” said Christopher Herbert, store manager.
“All sales are final and cannot be returned to any Kohl’s locations.”
It comes as Kohl’s has been busy closing underperforming stores.
Last year, the struggling brick and mortar retail chain closed 27 locations across 15 states.
The company also confirmed it was cutting down corporate workforces by 10% and halted offering Amazon returns at certain locations.
Michael Bender, the CEO of Kohl’s, has blamed the cost-of-living crisis for declining sales.
“Our core low- to middle-income customers continue to face financial pressure and they are seeking value,” Bender said.
“In 2026, we are committed to further strengthening our foundation by addressing operational opportunities, building on our strengths, and modernizing our processes.
“We are confident that the work we are investing in now is essential for Kohl’s long-term benefit.”
Tony Haller, executive director of the Sault Area Chamber of Commerce, told CBS-affiliate 9and10news the trend was concerning for their town.
Kohl’s had been operating at the center for a decade, and at one stage had 80 employees.
The chain officially opened its 46th location in Michigan with a grand opening in early March 2016.
“It’s concerning for the overall business community in Sault Ste. Marie,” he said on January 29.
The Kohl’s store closure at Cascade Crossing followed the closure of several other businesses during the past 10 years.
However, the shopping center has seen other major retailers move in, including Five Below and Hobby Lobby.
“We are hoping they fill those [empty shops] because it attracts other people to the community, it attracts our Canadian customers and it’s a trickle-down effect. It helps our downtown as well,” added Haller.
The retailer – which has more than 1,000 locations – has been losing sales to Amazon and off-price competitors such as Ross Stores, reported Reuters on March 10.
What to expect from Kohl’s in 2026
GOODS FOR GOOD COLLECTION
Kohl’s has offered its Goods for Good program for over 25 years, and new merchandise is rolling out for 2026, with each item priced under $10.
Since its start, the program has raised over $440 million bringing change for kids and families.
DIFFERENT IN-STORE EXPERIENCE
To cash in on impulse buyers, additional merchandise will be placed near checkout lines.
There will also be a greater emphasis on mannequins.
STORE CLOSURES
Under-performing branches are being culled.
NEW ARRIVALS
Kohl’s is constantly rolling out new items for shoppers to check.
Shoppers can see a variety of fresh products and deals across multiple categories, including women, men, kids, shoes, jewelry, accessories, toys and home goods.
Or, those wanting to browse from the comfort of their home can check out the “New Arrivals” page on the Kohl’s website.
The U.S. Sun recently published a story on how Kohl’s is switching things up to attract – and keep – customers.
