Kohl's Company Culture

Kohl's is a major omnichannel retailer operating a massive network of stores and digital platforms, currently navigating a high-stakes corporate turnaround. You will find an environment characterized by recent instability, including leadership turnover—most notably the appointment of CEO Michael Bender in November 2024—and significant operational downsizing, marked by the closure of 27 stores in 2025 as the company seeks better financial footing. The overarching strategy has moved away from a 'grand plan' toward optimizing the existing store base and a 'major revamp' of proprietary brands inventory. For corporate employees, the work model requires Monday through Thursday onsite attendance at major hubs like the Milwaukee headquarters or the New York Design Office. Within the technology and corporate departments, you will encounter a transition toward Lean experimentation, adopting a product-centric approach to 'failing fast' and driving digital innovation. Notably, the engineering culture is uniquely supported by a dedicated 'Developer Advocacy' team tasked with empathizing with engineers to clear 'workflow impediments.' On the retail front, you will experience a team-oriented but demanding culture. Staffing shortages often lead to high-pressure workloads and burnout, especially during peak blackout periods between Thanksgiving and Christmas. While compensation is cited as a pain point by store employees, the company officially emphasizes a supportive internal community centered on 'mutual respect and mindfulness,' prioritizing a team-first approach and 'candid communication.' Ultimately, Kohl's is a retail machine highly focused on crisis management, operational efficiency, and a collective push for financial stabilization.