KOHL’S TO LAY OFF 250 WORKERS AS PART OF RESTRUCTURING

Kohl’s is laying off 250 employees as part of a restructuring plan.

The move is part of the retailer’s efforts to have a “more customer-centric focus,” according to a statement from Jen Johnson, the retailer’s senior vice president of communications. Kohl’s expects the restructuring to position the company for long-term success, Johnson said.

“This reorganization in our business will empower decision-making, reduce management layers, streamline communications and drive greater efficiency in many areas of our business,” Johnson said.

Kohl’s is eliminating a layer of regional store leadership and restructuring teams in its merchant organization, Johnson said. The company is also planning changes to corporate positions, although Johnson did not elaborate on which positions. The employees were offered a “competitive” severance package and outplacement services, she said.

The reductions affect workers at the Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, headquarters; offices in New York and California; and in other regional positions.

Johnson added that Kohl’s is “in a position of financial strength.” All stores and corporate offices are staying open, and the company is hiring in “key areas.”

Kohl’s offered buyouts to salaried and hourly employees in a voluntary role reduction last year. At the time, Kohl’s said it was not seeking a specific number of departures. The company cut 60 technology jobs as part of a restructuring in 2018.

Kohl’s employs around 130,000 people with thousands working at its headquarters and Milwaukee-area stores. It has more than 1,100 stores in 49 states.