Kohl's extends temporary store closures 'until further notice' to stop the spread of COVID-19

MENOMONEE FALLS -- Kohl's officials on Monday, March 30 announced the extension of the temporary closure of stores nationwide to help stop the spread of the coronavirus.

Due to the significant impact to the business, Kohl’s is taking additional actions to strengthen its financial flexibility during this time, company officials said in a news release.

“These are unprecedented times as our communities around the country come together to support the nationwide efforts in slowing the spread of COVID-19. At Kohl’s we are committed to doing our part as we extend the duration of our store closures to protect the health and safety of our customers and our associates,” said Michelle Gass, Kohl’s chief executive officer in the release. “As a company, we operate with great discipline to maintain a strong balance sheet and financial flexibility. Given these extraordinary circumstances, we are taking difficult and decisive actions to strengthen our financial liquidity and secure the financial position of the company for the long-term benefit of our associates, customers and shareholders.”

The steps being taken are outlined below, per the release:

Kohl’s Associates

As previously announced, Kohl’s provided two calendar weeks of pay to all store and store distribution center associates. Given that the company will be extending the duration of our store closures until further notice, Kohl’s will temporarily furlough store and store distribution center associates, as well as some corporate office associates whose work has been significantly reduced by the store closures.

The company will continue to provide existing health benefits to furloughed associates at this time, and those impacted may benefit from the recently passed coronavirus stimulus legislation.

As the company manages through this crisis, Kohl’s chief executive officer, Michelle Gass will not take a salary.

Business Actions

As part of the COVID-19 response, the company is taking the following actions to preserve financial liquidity and financial flexibility:

● Decreasing capital expenditures by approximately $500 million,
● Managing inventory meaningfully lower to align with anticipated sales,
● Significantly reducing expenses across the business including marketing, technology and operations while stores remain closed,
● Temporarily suspending share repurchases and evaluating its dividend program, and
● Fully drawing down its $1 billion revolving credit facility.

Kohl’s Customers

Kohl’s continues to serve millions of customers through Kohls.com and the Kohl’s App. In addition to ship to home, beginning on April 2, Kohl’s customers can now shop on Kohls.com and opt to pick up their items at most Kohl’s stores between the hours of 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. local time. Kohl’s will offer this new convenience for customers who prefer to pick up their online orders at their local Kohl’s store for free and within two hours of placing their orders.

Kohl’s will provide further updates, including news on store reopenings, at Corporate.Kohls.com.