Will Seekonk Kohl's Close?

SEEKONK, MA — Kohl’s will close 18 of its United States stores this year, the department store announced this week.

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The specific locations have not been announced, but the company said it will release that information next month.

Kohl’s has a Seekonk store—one of about 30 Kohl’s locations in the Bay State.

Kohl’s president Kevin Mansell promised all employees working at the doomed locations will be offered positions at nearby Kohl’s stores or severance packages.

“While the decision to close stores is a difficult one, we evaluated all of the elements that contribute to making a store successful, and we were thoughtful and strategic in our approach,” Mansell said in a statement.

He said the company will open seven pilot stores in various locations that will be smaller than its typical store. Twelve Fila outlet stores and two Off-Aisle pilot stores are planned for Wisconsin.

Kohl’s is based on Wisconsin and runs about 1,100 stores. It posted a 20 percent loss in fourth-quarter profits, according to the Associated Press.