Kohl’s has now gone 18 consecutive quarters without comparable-sales growth, a remarkable stretch that underscores how difficult it has been for the department-store chain to bring shoppers back despite years of turnaround efforts.
Comparable sales fell another 0.9% in the second quarter, while net sales also declined 0.9% to $3.3 billion, Kohl’s reported Wednesday. The company saw stronger demand for categories including home goods and youth apparel, but weaker spending on women’s clothing and skincare weighed on overall results.
The latest decline was considerably smaller than the 4.2% drop Kohl’s reported during the same quarter last year, suggesting that some parts of its turnaround are gaining traction. The company has been adding more coupon-eligible brands, investing in its own labels and emphasizing value as it competes for increasingly selective shoppers.
Kohl’s also raised its full-year profit forecast, but the improved outlook includes a significant one-time boost. The retailer received approximately $150 million in tariff refunds during the quarter, with about $100 million flowing through gross margin. Kohl’s now expects adjusted earnings of $1.80 to $2.40 per share for the year, up from its previous forecast of $1.00 to $1.60.
The larger challenge remains getting sales growing again. Kohl’s expects full-year net and comparable sales to range from flat to a 1.5% decline, while the company prepares to restart up to $100 million in share repurchases. After 18 straight quarters of falling comparable sales, even stabilizing the top line would represent a meaningful change in direction.
