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After a turbulent year of store closures and shifting consumer habits, Kohl’s is entering 2026 at a crossroads. With more than a thousand locations still in operation, investors and shoppers alike have been watching closely for updates on the retailer’s plans for its remaining physical footprint.Amid intensifying competition from e-commerce giants and discount chains, Kohl’s is now revealing how it plans to stabilize performance, improve profitability, and adapt to a rapidly evolving retail market, with its stores playing an important role in this major decision. Kohl’s confirms no additional store closuresKohl’s (KSS) CEO Michael Bender stated during a recent earnings call that the company does not currently plan to close any additional stores from its remaining fleet of approximately 1,150 locations. The decision follows internal improvements, with more than 90% of stores now operating profitably. This signals that the large-scale closures have already addressed the weakest locations, shifting focus from contraction to operational efficiency. Instead of downsizing further, Kohl’s will prioritize optimizing its existing footprint. That includes improving store productivity, refining operations, and making selective adjustments when necessary.”We will look at stores like we do on an annual basis,” said Bender. “There are opportunities for us to either relocate, those are opportunities for us. We can do that. But no major change in the store base expectation at this point.”He also confirmed that Kohl’s is not planning to open new stores, reinforcing a shift toward efficiency rather than expansion.Kohl’s 2025 store closuresThe update follows the closure of 27 stores across 15 states in 2025, as well as one e-commerce distribution center, which was part of a broader effort to cut costs and streamline operations.According to commercial real estate investor Jason Miller, those closures may have revealed an underlying strength in Kohl’s property portfolio.”All 27 of the Kohl’s stores that closed last year were leased,” said Miller on Substack. “So Kohl’s did not obtain any economic benefit from the sale, re-tenanting or redevelopment of the real estate.”However, he added that strong demand from replacement tenants suggests those locations remain attractive. It’s an indicator that Kohl’s real estate assets could carry more value than reflected in its retail performance alone, an encouraging sign for stakeholders evaluating the company’s long-term position.

Kohl’s confirms there will be no additional store closures in 2026.Daniel Acker/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Competitive pressures continue to weigh on Kohl’s performanceLike many traditional department stores, Kohl’s is navigating intensifying competition from both digital and value-focused retailers. E-commerce rivals such as Amazon, Temu, and Shein continue to capture online shopping demand, while off-price chains including Ross Stores and TJMaxx attract budget-conscious consumers with lower pricing.At the same time, macroeconomic uncertainty has reshaped consumer behavior, with shoppers increasingly prioritizing value and limiting discretionary spending.Kohl’s earnings results show ongoing challengesKohl’s latest financial results highlight the challenges it faces on its path to regaining momentum.According to its fourth-quarter fiscal 2025 earnings report, net sales decreased 3.9% year over year, while comparable sales fell 2.8%.The company expects full-year 2026 net sales to remain flat or decline by up to 2%, indicating that a near-term rebound is unlikely.Nonetheless, Kohl’s remains optimistic for the future of its business.”In 2026, we are committed to further strengthening our foundation by addressing operational opportunities, building on our strengths, and modernizing our processes,” said Bender in the company’s Q4 earnings report. “We are confident that the work we are investing in now is essential for Kohl’s long-term benefit.”Kohl’s operational missteps and new strategyKohl’s acknowledged that inconsistent inventory execution has been a major contributor to underperformance. The company didn’t always have the right products in the right quantities at the right time, resulting in missed opportunities that directly impacted sales.However, its proprietary brands showed progress. While proprietary apparel was flat, juniors grew 8% during the quarter, men’s and kids posted positive comparable sales, and women’s increased 26%.Overall performance in proprietary brands declined 3%, largely due to weakness in its home category. More Retail Business News:39-year-old mattress retailer shares Chapter 11 bankruptcy warningControversial founder steps up fight for Lululemon106-year-old retail brand operator selling 170 stores in bankruptcyTo address these imbalances, Kohl’s is prioritizing better inventory management, stronger merchandising strategies, and clearer value positioning.”We know consumers are more value conscious and there is opportunity for us to regain share during these windows through strong promotional statements that better align to our customer needs and priorities,” said Bender in the earnings call. “Consistent and differentiated value statements across marketing, in-store, and online will be a catalyst to improve our performance.”Analysts remain split on Kohl’s outlookKohl’s stock has declined more than 37% year to date as of March 20, reflecting ongoing investor skepticism.Analysts remain divided on the company’s outlook.Some analysts warn that macroeconomic volatility, combined with heavier promotional activity, could continue to pressure margins and limit earnings growth, according to Simply Wall St.Other analysts argue that Kohl’s still has additional strategic initiatives that could improve sales trends and profitability if executed effectively.Firm ratingsUBS Group and The Goldman Sachs Group: “Sell,” according to MarketBeatRobert W. Baird and Citigroup: “Neutral,” according to MarketBeatThe mixed ratings highlight uncertainty around Kohl’s turnaround timeline.Industry-wide store closuresKohl’s is not alone in reassessing its physical footprint. Several major retailers are rethinking their store portfolios as e-commerce grows and cost pressures reshape the industry.Other major retail closuresMacy’s: Closed around 150 underperforming stores by 2026, according to TheStreet.JCPenney: Shuttered seven stores in 2025 and had a failed ownership deal to transfer 119 locations, per Today.Claire’s: Closed nearly 300 U.S. stores after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2025, Retail Dive reported.Victoria’s Secret: Closed 30 U.S. stores in 2025, according to the company’s earnings report.Kohl’s bottom lineWhile Kohl’s has paused store closures for now, the company’s future will depend less on its physical footprint and more on execution, particularly in pricing, inventory management, and brand positioning. With profitability improving but sales still under pressure, 2026 will be a defining year that reveals whether Kohl’s can translate operational fixes into sustained growth.Related: 106-year-old retail brand operator closing all stores in bankruptcy

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TheStreet aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.Why we love this dealSpring is officially here. While you’re refreshing your home for the season, you can also give your tech a major refresh without breaking the bank. With Amazon’s Big Spring Sale coming up, it’s an especially good time to invest in electronic devices. We’ve spotted laptops under $200 and two-in-one tablets for under $100, making it prime time for anyone who wants to upgrade their current portable computing setup on a budget.The Gleeso A10L 2-in-1 Laptop and Tablet is one of our latest finds. Right now, you can get the combo for just $76, saving you 42% off the regular price of $130, which is an incredible limited-time deal.Gleeso A10L 2-in-1 Laptop and Tablet, $76 (was $130) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Shop at AmazonWhy do shoppers love it?This two-in-one laptop and tablet just might replace your need for a full-sized laptop altogether. It’s perfect for everyday computing tasks, whether you’re checking emails or streaming videos. Operating on the Android 15 system, it has up to 20 gigabytes (GB) of RAM, 64 GB of ROM that’s expandable up to 1 terabyte (TB), and an Allwinner octa-core processor that’s powerful and efficient. Packed with features, it offers ample storage for files, videos, and games, along with a fast and reliable performance.With this device, you can multitask with ease. It even has a split-screen feature that lets you use two apps at the same time. Maybe you want to catch up on your weekly TV show on one side while shopping on the other, or write a to-do list while scrolling through social media. Either way, it’s incredibly useful.Related: Walmart is selling a Windows 11 laptop for $283 that comes with lifetime Microsoft Office app useIt has a 10.1-inch high-definition display that’s larger than a smartphone yet smaller than a laptop, which only adds to its portability. Videos are crisp and clear, so it’s great for all of your work and entertainment needs. It also features a 5-megapixel front camera and an 8-megapixel back camera, which is great for video calls or taking photos. We also can’t forget about the battery. At 5,000 milliampere-hour (mAh), it can last you all day long with anywhere from eight to 12 hours of battery life. That’s more than enough time to watch multiple movies and get through an entire workday. Last but not least are the accessories that come with it. It comes with a productivity bundle that features a wireless keyboard, a wireless mouse, and a stylus pen that turns it from a tablet to a laptop. It also comes with a protective case, so you have everything you need to take it on the go. Details to knowMemory: Up to 20 GB of RAM and 64 GB of ROM, expandable up to 1 TB.Operating system: Android 15.Battery: 5,000 mAh with up to 12 hours of use in one charge.Screen size: 10.1 inches.According to Amazon shoppers, this laptop and tablet device is “powerful, portable, and packed with value.” Reviewers say it has a crisp display, multitasks smoothly, and has a battery life that lasts all day. Shoppers also love how versatile it is, saying the accessories bundle makes it fantastic for productivity, and that it’s perfect for work, school, and play. Shop more dealsKelanyis 2-in-1 Laptop and Tablet, $106 at AmazonYleebg 2-in-1 Laptop and Tablet, $90 at AmazonTuohaitime 2-in-1 Laptop and Tablet, $80 at AmazonThe Gleeso A10L 2-in-1 Laptop and Tablet is on sale for just $76 ahead of Amazon’s Big Spring Sale. Despite its small size, it’s an absolute powerhouse, especially with all of the extra accessories it comes with. Shop it now before this limited-time deal disappears, as these budget-friendly laptops and tablets tend to sell out fast.

Target might truly be one of the saddest retail stories in recent history.Granted, the company is still alive and well — or at least alive. It hasn’t succumbed to bankruptcy like so many other retailers in recent years. But the company isn’t exactly thriving.Even though Target’s most recent quarterly earnings report was better than expected, comparable sales fell 2.5% and overall revenue plunged 1.5% year over year. And the company is facing huge challenges as consumers broadly reduce their discretionary spending due to financial pressures.But the fact that consumers are cutting back is a problem for retailers across the board. Target is facing some unique challenges it’s desperately trying to address. Unfortunately, its latest tactic may not be a complete solution.Target tries to sweeten the deal with deep discountsConsumers are struggling big time these days. Not only is inflation still stubbornly high, but many people are worried about the economy. Consumer confidence fell sharply in January, according to the Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index. Some of the biggest issues plaguing consumers are tariffs and a questionable labor market.Related: Costco’s big bets pay off for members, employeesIt’s abundantly clear to Target that consumers need relief from higher costs. To that end, the company recently shared that it’s lowering prices on over 3,000 items across key categories, including:ApparelHomeShoesEveryday essentials”By investing in lower prices on the trending products guests love and the essentials they need, Target is delivering even greater value as busy families welcome the new season,” the company said. This is all part of an ongoing plan to win customers over that Target CEO Michael Fiddelke discussed during the company’s most recent earnings call. “Consumers consistently say they want and expect more, especially from Target,” he said. “Delight is our standard. That means getting the basics right. Sharp pricing, strong in-stocks, wicked fast same-day delivery. Our bar is higher. We want to spark an emotional connection, so shopping isn’t a chore, it’s a joy.”

Customers want more from Target, and the retailer is attempting to deliver a better experience.Sundry Photography/Shutterstock

Target’s approach somewhat misses the markLowering prices is a key move for Target right now. And it’s certainly a reasonable strategy to get customers into the store. But Target needs to address some core issues if it really wants to boost sales in a meaningful way.Between messy, disorganized aisles, disgruntled employees, and a rollback of DEI policies, Target’s reputation has taken a serious hit in recent years. Now, walking into Target seems like more of a chore than anything else.More Retail:Costco sees major shift in member behaviorRetail chain shuts all locations as legal changes hit industryCostco makes major investment in online shopping for membersT-Mobile launches free offer for customers after major loss“Visiting Target stores is less pleasurable and less fun than it used to be,” Neil Saunders, managing director at GlobalData Retail, told CX Dive. If Target wants to boost its sales numbers, slashing prices on inventory isn’t enough. The company needs to address the aforementioned core issues to lure customers in.To put it another way, nobody’s going to want to buy discounted on-trend apparel if it’s in piles all over the floor and not neatly organized on store shelves. This isn’t to say that Target’s situation is insurmountable. And if there’s one thing Target has going for it, it’s nostalgia for the days of it being a hip, fun place to shop. But Target needs to focus on reviving that reputation if it wants to succeed. Lowering prices is a step in the right direction, but it’s only one piece of a much larger puzzle to solve.Maurie Backman owns shares of Target.Related: Dollar Tree CEO shares upbeat pricing news

The S&P 500 is having its worst weekly stretch in a year. Oil prices are surging. Iran war fears are rattling every asset class. Traders are now pricing in a 50% chance of a Fed rate hike by October. And yet UBS just told investors the index is going to 7,700 by year-end.That is roughly 17% above where the S&P 500 was trading on March 20, near 6,585. UBS is not hedging. It is calling the selloff noise and saying the fundamentals are still intact.What UBS is saying about the S&P 500The note was led by David Lefkowitz, UBS’s head of U.S. equities. It sets a two-stage target: 7,300 by June, then 7,700 by December. Three pillars support the call.What is driving UBS’s confidence in stocksEarnings growth: UBS expects S&P 500 profits to grow 11% in 2026, reaching $310 per share. Q4 is already tracking at roughly 14% year-over-year.Fed rate cuts: The bank expects two more 25-basis-point cuts this year, which historically supports equity gains when recession is avoided.AI adoption: The bank sees AI spreading beyond big tech into the broader economy, driving productivity gains and widening the earnings base.On earnings, UBS forecasts S&P 500 earnings per share of $277 in 2025, growing 11% to $310 in 2026. Q4 results are already tracking at roughly 14% year-over-year. Lefkowitz’s team described forward guidance as “a touch cooler than in recent quarters but still encouraging.”More Wall StreetBillionaire Dalio sends 2-words on Fed pick WarshTop analyst bets these stocks will boost your portfolio in 2026Bank of America sends quiet warning to stock market investorsThere is also a notable shift in where earnings are coming from. The Magnificent 7 drove nearly two-thirds of S&P 500 profit growth in 2025. In 2026, that share drops to roughly half. The rest of the market is picking up the slack. UBS sees that as a healthy sign for the durability of the rally.Iran poses a stock market problemUBS is not pretending the war does not exist. Its base case is that the conflict causes only a brief disruption to energy supplies. It expects oil prices to pull back from current levels, clearing the way for stocks to move higher.But it issued a direct warning. If energy does not start flowing from the Persian Gulf in the coming weeks, investors should brace for downside. That is not a minor caveat. Brent crude is around $112. WTI is near $97. The Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed.UBS’s comfort comes from history. In most past geopolitical shocks, markets bounced back quickly once the initial panic faded. The bank is betting this follows that pattern.If the rate cut scenario falls apart, one of UBS’s three pillars goes with it. The bank’s counter is that earnings do not need cuts to grow. AI productivity gains are real and spreading. Corporate profits, in UBS’s view, can hit 11% growth regardless of what the Fed does. The argument is that this cycle is different because the earnings driver is structural, not purely monetary.

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What this means for investorsThe math here is stark. The S&P 500 needs to gain roughly 1,100 points from current levels to reach 7,700. That has to happen in about nine months. It is an ambitious call in a calm market. Right now, the market is anything but calm.JPMorgan is on the other side of this trade. The bank has warned that if the S&P breaks below its 200-day moving average near 6,600, strong support may not appear until 6,000 to 6,200. The index is sitting just above that line. UBS’s argument is that it holds.History cuts both ways. The 1973 oil shock sent the S&P down 16% and the market did not recover for six years. Russia’s 2022 Ukraine invasion caused a 7% drop that reversed in about four weeks. Which script this conflict follows depends almost entirely on how long the Strait of Hormuz stays shut.UBS is betting on a fast recovery. Q1 earnings season in April will be the first real test of whether the bank is right. If profits come in strong and the conflict shows signs of cooling, the bull case gets a lot easier to defend. If energy stays disrupted and inflation reaccelerates, 7,700 starts to look like a very different kind of number.Related: UBS economists issue stark warning on U.S. economy