Kohl’s Corp. has made headlines by raising its full-year performance outlook for the second consecutive quarter. This positive development signals a potential turnaround for the retailer, driven by Chief Executive Officer Michael Bender, who is focused on stabilizing the company amid ongoing challenges.
The updated projections indicate that net sales are expected to decrease between 3.5% to 4% for the year—an improvement over earlier forecasts issued in late August. Additionally, Kohl’s has raised its guidance for comparable sales and adjusted diluted earnings per share, reflecting a cautiously optimistic outlook for the near future.
Following this announcement, Kohl’s shares surged 24% in early trading in New York. The stock has shown an overall upward trend, advancing 12% thus far in 2025, demonstrating some investor confidence in the company’s direction. This week, Bender was appointed as the company’s permanent CEO after previously holding the position on an interim basis.
The optimistic outlook suggests that Kohl’s may be overcoming recent turbulence, notably the departure of its former CEO shortly into their tenure. Yet, the retailer still faces significant obstacles, having reported 15 consecutive quarters of year-over-year revenue declines. Nonetheless, recent results indicate a slight improvement, with the company acknowledging that its value propositions resonate well with consumers.
In the third quarter, Kohl’s reported a comparable sales decline of just 1.7%, which exceeded analyst expectations. Under Bender’s leadership, the retailer has largely continued a strategy laid out by his predecessor, Ashley Buchanan, emphasizing the revitalization of the jewelry segment and the introduction of more petite sizes. Additionally, in-house brands experienced a 1% growth in the quarter.
Retail analysts suggest that the overall consumer landscape is shifting, with some shoppers exhibiting caution and opting for more budget-friendly purchases. This trend may play to Kohl’s advantage, as the retailer typically offers prices lower than many of its departmental competitors.
