KOHLS Business Summary

Kohl's Corp (KSS) operates as a leading omnichannel retailer, generating nearly 99% of its revenue through the direct sale of apparel, footwear, accessories, beauty, and home products across more than 1,100 stores and its digital platform. The company’s business model is anchored by a diverse mix of national brands like Levi’s and Columbia, exclusive private labels such as Sonoma and Croft & Barrow, and a high-growth strategic partnership with Sephora, which has become a primary driver of foot traffic and beauty segment expansion. Kohl's primary business segments are categorized by merchandise type, with Women’s apparel historically serving as the largest revenue contributor, followed by Men’s, Home, and Children’s. Within the competitive landscape, Kohl's occupies a unique middle-market position, competing directly with department stores like Macy’s and Dillard’s on brand assortment, while simultaneously defending market share against off-price retailers like Burlington and mass-merchandisers such as Target through aggressive value-based pricing and loyalty-driven promotional strategies. Originally founded in 1962 by Maxwell Kohl, the company is currently led by Chief Executive Officer Michael J. Bender, who was appointed to the permanent role in November 2025 after a successful tenure as interim CEO. Bender brings over three decades of retail expertise, including previous roles as CEO of Eyemart Express and Chief Operating Officer of Global eCommerce at Walmart. The executive leadership team is rounded out by Chief Financial Officer Jill Timm, who oversees the firm’s capital allocation and inventory discipline, and Chief Technology Officer Steven Dee, who spearheads the company’s digital transformation and omnichannel integration. The Board of Directors is chaired by John Schlifske and includes notable industry veterans such as Wendy Arlin (former CFO of Bath & Body Works) and Adolfo Villagomez (CEO of 1-800-Flowers.com). Institutional backing remains robust, with major stakeholders including BlackRock, The Vanguard Group, and State Street Global Advisors maintaining significant positions as of early 2026.