Wisconsin-Based Kohl's Announces 15 Percent Cut To Workforce

WISCONSIN— Kohl's Corp. announced Tuesday it was reducing its corporate workforce by around 15%, according to a report in The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Kohl's Department Stores reopened stores in Wisconsin after a two-month-long closure due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

According to the report by the Sentinel, Sales were down 32.8% ending on Aug. 1. Kohl's Senior

Vice President of Communications Jen Johnson said in the report the job reduction was a cost saving measure. A statement was released on Tuesday.

"Over the past several months, Kohl's has taken several decisive actions to navigate through the COVID-19 crisis. Our decisions have prioritized the health and safety of our customers and associates, and preserving the financial position of the company. Today, as a result of the ongoing pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic on the business, the company took the difficult but necessary step to reduce our corporate workforce by approximately 15%.

We put a great deal of thought into this decision and have offered a competitive severance package and outplacement services to help all affected associates as they transition to their next step. We sincerely thank these associates for their contributions and years of service at Kohl’s.

Kohl’s continues to maintain a strong balance sheet and cash position to help navigate through the crisis, and will continue to exercise financial discipline through diligent expense and inventory management. Through prudent management, disciplined investment in key areas, and smart long-term strategic planning, we are well positioned to capitalize on evolving customer behaviors and the retail industry disruption. The organizational changes we’ve made and keen focus on our strategic business priorities will continue to support our long-term success."

It is not known the number of jobs at the Menomonee Falls Headquarters are affected at this time.

Read the full story at The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.