A KOHL’S shopper has complained about a “cheap” feeling in stores thanks to a new inventory push by the company.
The department store chain is making changes to help its bottom line, but not everyone is thrilled with the result.
The company has offered sales as it rolled out new home decor collections.
New furniture and decorations began appearing at Kohl’s in March, USA Today reported.
Now, one X user is saying that sales near the new sections are changing the store’s atmosphere.
“While I’m loving the new home decor sections, those giant sale signs sticking way up in the air are tacky as heck,” they said. “They cheapen the whole feeling of the store. Why…just why???”
It’s not clear what store or sale exactly they were referring to, but sale signs at Kohls are generally large and red.
Inventory changes and sales like this are part of a broader push for the company.
CHANGING TIMES
Kohl’s has struggled to turn a profit for its investors recently.
The company reported losses during the first quarter in a Thursday press release.
This was a surprise for Wall Street, according to CNBC.
CNBC said new inventory changes were part of a broader turnaround plan.
The changes have not been enough, as net sales decreased by 5.3% in the first quarter.
Tom Kingsbury, the company’s CEO, blamed the situation on the previous year’s clearance sales, which could make the current sales number look poor.
“Our first quarter results did not meet our expectations and are not reflective of the direction we are heading with our strategic initiatives,” he said in a statement.
In an interview with CNBC, he said the weather was partly to blame, arguing that many Americans avoided buying seasonal items this year.
Within hours of releasing the numbers, Kohl’s was on track for its worst-ever day on the stock market, with shares quickly losing up to a quarter of their value.
Our first quarter results did not meet our expectations and are not reflective of the direction we are heading with our strategic initiatives.”
Tom Kingsbury
STAYING ALIVE
Department stores have been struggling to evolve with the economy over recent decades.
Once a fixture of American retail, Sears is on its last legs.
The chain recently closed a store in New Jersey, leaving just 11 locations remaining.
JCPenney has also been closing stores after it filed for bankruptcy.
Kohl’s has avoided mass selloffs, though some stores have abruptly shut.
The bankrupt clothier Express is offering discounts in its final days.
Shoppers have taken issue with new receipt checks at Kroger.