In a significant move to bolster its long-term viability, Kohl’s has announced the closure of 27 underperforming stores across the United States by April 2025. This decision comes at a time when the retail landscape is continuously evolving, and industry giants like Sears and JCPenney are stark reminders of what can happen when businesses fail to adapt.

Why the Closures Matter

As department store chains face increasing pressure from online retailers and changing consumer habits, maintaining a lean and efficient operation is crucial. Tom Kingsbury, Kohl’s outgoing CEO, emphasized the importance of making difficult choices to ensure the health and future of the business. By selectively closing stores, Kohl’s aims to avoid the pitfalls that have befallen some of its rivals in recent years.

The closures represent less than 3% of Kohl’s approximately 1,150 locations, which shows that while the company is taking action, it’s also confident in the strength of its remaining stores. Kingsbury, who is set to step down on January 15th, will be handing over the reins to Ashley Buchanan, the current CEO of Michaels, signaling a potential shift in strategy as Kohl’s forges ahead.

The List of Closures

The upcoming store closures span multiple states, with several locations concentrated in California and Illinois. Below is a detailed rundown of the locations set to close:

• Alabama: Spanish Fort – 21000 Town Center Ave.
• Arkansas: Little Rock West – 13909 Chenal Parkway
• California: Multiple locations, including San Diego, Mountain View, and Pleasanton among others.
• Colorado: Arapahoe Crossing (Aurora) – 6584 S Parker Road
• Georgia: Duluth – 2050 W Liddell Road
• Idaho: Boise – 400 N Milwaukee St.
• Illinois: Plainfield and West Dundee (Spring Hill).
• Massachusetts: Stoughton – 501 Technology Center Drive
• New Jersey: East Windsor – 72 Princeton Hightstown Road
• Ohio: Blue Ash and Cincinnati (Forest Park).
• Oregon: Portland Gateway – 10010 NE Halsey St.
• Pennsylvania: Pottstown – 351 W Schuylkill Road
• Texas: North Dallas – 18224 Preston Road
• Utah: Riverton – 13319 S 3600 W
• Virginia: Herndon and Williamsburg.

These closures reflect ongoing efforts to optimize Kohl’s portfolio, ensuring that its resources are concentrated in locations with the highest potential for growth.

The Bigger Picture

While the closures are indeed a challenge, they also present an opportunity for reinvention. As Kohl’s looks to sharpen its focus and adapt to changing consumer preferences, the company may shift resources toward strengthening its e-commerce platform, enhancing customer experience, and introducing more innovative store formats.

Kohl’s has already shown a willingness to experiment with partnerships and unique retail concepts, such as collaborations with major brands and shifts towards becoming a more experience-driven shopping environment. These closures may enable the chain to move forward with a more agile and responsive strategy.

Looking Ahead

As Kohl’s navigates this transitional period and under incoming leadership, all eyes will be on how it capitalizes on its strengths while learning from the complexities of the retail industry. The decisions made now could shape the future of the brand and its ability to thrive in a competitive marketplace.

Ultimately, consumers can expect to see a more streamlined and efficient Kohl’s that is better equipped to meet the demands of the modern shopper. As the company moves through these changes, one thing is certain: it’s committed to evolving while keeping its loyal customers at the heart of its strategy.

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Related links about Kohl’s and store closings

https://www.axios.com/2025/01/09/kohls-closing-stores-list-april-2025

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kohl%27s

Welcome to the Consumer Corner section of STM Daily News, your ultimate destination for savvy shopping and informed decision-making! Dive into a treasure trove of insights and reviews covering everything from the hottest toys that spark joy in your little ones to the latest electronic gadgets that simplify your life. Explore our comprehensive guides on stylish home furnishings, discover smart tips for buying a home or enhancing your living space with creative improvement ideas, and get the lowdown on the best cars through our detailed auto reviews. Whether you’re making a major purchase or simply seeking inspiration, the Consumer Corner is here to empower you every step of the way—unlock the keys to becoming a smarter consumer today!

https://stmdailynews.com/category/consumer-corner

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At CES 2025, ECOVACS showcases the DEEBOT X8 Family of robotic vacuum cleaners, featuring the OZMO ROLLER Instant Self-Washing Technology. A diverse lineup of advanced service robotics was also presented, including the GOAT A&O Family robot lawn mowers and the WINBOT W2 PRO OMNI and WINBOT MINI robotic window cleaners.

LAS VEGAS /PRNewswire/ — From January 7th to 10th, ECOVACS Group, the global leader in service robotics and intelligent home appliances, demonstrates its industry-leading expertise at CES 2025 in Las Vegas. The event showcases ECOVACS’ unmatched expertise and innovation, particularly highlighting the DEEBOT X8 Family, which features the revolutionary OZMO ROLLER Instant Self-Washing Technology. This breakthrough marks a pivotal moment in robotics, setting the stage for the global launch of this model and promising to redefine industry standards.

As the world’s top brand in home service robotics, ECOVACS continues to drive the industry forward with its unwavering commitment to technological advancement. David Cheng Qian, Vice Chairman of ECOVACS Group and CEO of ECOVACS ROBOTICS, emphasized the company’s strategy: “Our latest innovations not only underscore ECOVACS’ leadership but also reflect our dedication to pioneering robotics solutions that anticipate and meet evolving consumer needs. We remain steadfast in our mission to advance robotics, constantly refining our offerings to deliver unparalleled value to our users worldwide.”

ECOVACS

The DEEBOT X8 PRO OMNI: Ushering in a New Era of Robotics with OZMO ROLLER Mopping Technology
The DEEBOT X8 PRO OMNI stands out with its OZMO ROLLER Instant Self-Washing Mopping Technology, which equips robotic vacuum cleaners with capabilities rivaling professional floor washers. This innovative design enables ultra-high pressure and speed with a real-time self-washing system to ensure uniform cleaning capability, significantly reducing contamination during the mopping process.

The DEEBOT X8 PRO OMNI not only features groundbreaking OZMO ROLLER technology but also incorporates cutting-edge navigation and artificial intelligence, providing a comprehensive and intelligent cleaning solution. Since its introduction in China in September 2024, the DEEBOT X8 PRO OMNI has dramatically reshaped the premium robotic vacuum sector, capturing an impressive 68% online market share during the Chinese Double 11 shopping festival. With its impending global launch, this model is set to replicate its success on a worldwide scale, revolutionizing cleaning practices across the globe.

Beyond the DEEBOT X8 Family, ECOVACS introduces the DEEBOT T50 Family, headlined by the T50 MAX. This flagship model features ECOVACS’ cutting-edge BLAST (Boosted Large-Airflow Suction Technology), a technology that redefines cleaning capabilities. With its combination of Maximized Airflow and Sufficient Vacuum Level, it delivers a maximum air volume of 16.3L per second and an enhanced suction power of up to 18500Pa. This enables the T50 MAX to increase its Large Particles Pick-Up Rate by 100% and boost its Carpet Dust Cleaning by 93%, making it an optimal choice for families with large area carpets. Also joining the lineup is the T50 PRO OMNI, featuring an ultra-slim design specifically engineered for accessing tight spaces such as under sofas and beds. Additionally, the X5 HYBRID makes its global debut.

The GOAT A&O Family: Redefining Excellence in Smart Garden Maintenance
Since its debut in 2022, the robotic lawn mower GOAT series has been highly acclaimed across Europe, with 40,000 units sold within a single year by 2024. The new GOAT families offer state-of-the-art features and tailored solutions for lawns of all sizes and complexities.

The GOAT A Family, including models A3000 LiDAR and A2500 RTK (known as A1600 RTK in Europe), are designed for medium to large backyards. These mowers deliver exceptional cutting performance, powered by an industry-leading 32V system and achieving a threefold increase in mowing efficiency. For smaller or more intricate garden layouts, the GOAT O Family models, including the O1000 RTK (known as O800 RTK in Europe), excel in efficient and intelligent mowing. Its agility is unmatched, with an extreme path passability of 0.7m and advanced LELS navigation technology, ensuring precision and intelligence in lawn care.

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At CES 2025, ECOVACS not only showcases its DEEBOT and GOAT series but also presents its WINBOT series of robotic window cleaners, highlighting the company’s practical and efficient window cleaning solutions.

This demonstration underscores ECOVACS’ commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional models through technological innovation. As a pioneer in the service robotics industry for 27 years, ECOVACS has consistently been at the forefront of innovation, leveraging its proprietary supply chain and advanced manufacturing capabilities to achieve breakthroughs in core robotics technologies. With the mission “Robotics for All”, ECOVACS ROBOTICS products have reached over 170 major markets worldwide, serving more than 28 million families globally.

According to the financial report, ECOVACS has significantly ramped up its R&D investment, escalating from 549 million yuan in 2021 to 825 million yuan in 2023, achieving a compound annual growth rate of 22.55% from 2021 to 2023. For the first three quarters of 2024, R&D expenditure reached 657 million yuan. By mid-2024, ECOVACS had accumulated 2,242 patents, including 661 invention patents, with 132 of these being overseas invention patents.

ECOVACS and DEEBOT X8 PRO OMNI Sweep Awards
DEEBOT X8 PRO OMNI has been recognized with multiple prestigious awards. It received the “Indoor Cleaning Solutions Gold Award” at the 2024 IFA Global Product Technology Innovation Awards, solidifying its position as a pioneer in the industry.

The new product also secured the esteemed IDG Award for innovation, recognizing highlights of the robot’s advanced features, including its unique mopping technology, intelligent obstacle avoidance, and AI-powered voice control, and was named “Best of IFA” by Android Headlines, a leading U.S. technology platform from EVG Media.

ECOVACS ROBOTICS has affirmed its leadership in the home robotics industry by receiving the distinguished IDG TOP AWARD, placing it among the 2024-2025 GLOBAL SMART HOME BRANDS TOP 10 at this year’s CES. Moreover, its innovative robotic lawn mower, the GOAT A2500 RTK (known as A1600 RTK in Europe), has been honored with a SPECIAL AWARD recognition, underscoring ECOVACS’ dedication to excellence and innovation in service robotics.

ECOVACS is exhibiting its comprehensive service robotics portfolio at CES 2025 from January 7 to 10. The ECOVACS booth is located at the Venetian Expo, Halls A-D – Booth 52946.

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For more information:
Robot Vacuum Cleaners | Auto Cleaning Robots – ECOVACS Website – ECOVACS
https://www.ecovacs.com/us/campaign/ces-2025

SOURCE ECOVACS

MILPITAS, Calif., Jan. 6, 2025 /CNW/ — Amazfit, a leading global smart wearables brand owned by Zepp Health (NYSE: ZEPP), a health technology company, today announced the launch of its latest lifestyle smartwatch: the Amazfit Active 2, a wearable that bridges elegance and functionality.

Debuting at CES 2025 and featured at Pepcom and ShowStoppers media events, the Amazfit Active 2 is a lifestyle statement for fashion conscious and health-oriented consumers who want to monitor their fitness without compromising on aesthetics.

Stylish Design Meets Competitive Advantages 

Along with a body crafted from stainless steel, the Amazfit Active 2 boasts a round 1.32-inch high-definition AMOLED display that can reach a peak brightness of 2,000 nits, ensuring that users can see their exercise data and maps even under bright sunlight. Consumers can choose from two models when purchasing: a premium version priced at $129.99 that features a black genuine leather strap and a resilient sapphire glass screen covering, or a standard version priced at $99.99 that comes with either a red or black sports-style silicone strap for enhanced breathability during exercise. The premium version will also come with one of these sports-style red silicone straps in the box, as a secondary strap option to equip for workouts.

Cutting-Edge Technology

– Latest Generation Biosensor: The BioTracker™ 6.0 PPG biosensor features a dual-LED and 5PD build, which picks up more biometric signals for enhanced precision in health monitoring and measurement. Zepp Health Corporation zepp.com 2

– Upgraded Heart Rate and Sleep Algorithms: The PulsePrecision™ algorithm enhances heart rate tracking accuracy to the level of the Amazfit T-Rex 3, while the RestoreIQ™ algorithm gives sleep monitoring a similar accuracy boost.

– Additional Sensors: Compared to the previous generation of Amazfit Active, the new release adds a barometer for accurate altitude measurements and support of new sports like skiing, along with an accelerometer and gyroscope for precise recognition of sleep and movement, and an ambient light sensor for optimal display under varying light conditions.

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– Extended Battery Life: With a robust 10-day battery life under typical use, the Active 2 is a device that won’t need recharging every night.

– Zepp Flow™: Enables users to control their watch settings, adjust their calendar, and more with just their voice, while also granting Android users the ability to reply to instant messages with either keyboard or speech-to-text input.

– Zepp Pay: Users in Europe can experience secure contactless payments when they purchase the premium version, with this model being named the Amazfit Active 2 NFC on European channels.

Fitness and Wellness Features

– Dynamic Fitness Modes: Over 160 sports modes including HYROX Race Mode, a smart Strength Training mode that can auto-detect specific exercises and intelligently count reps, sets, and rest time, and new winter sports like Skiing.

– Offline Maps with Turn Directions: Supported by 5 satellite systems, users can navigate with ease by importing offline maps and route files to the watch that come with turn-by-turn directions, which can be followed on-screen or broadcast via the built-in speaker or the user’s connected Bluetooth headphones.

– Zepp Coach™ Integration: Offers personalized training and running plans, empowering users of all levels to achieve fitness milestones from 3K runs to full marathons.

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– Tailored for Women: With the Wild.AI mini app, women can connect to their accounts directly from the watch for personalized wellness insights tied to their menstrual and hormonal cycles.

– Advanced Health Insights: A daily Readiness score summarizes mental and physical recovery and provides actionable insights, while the HRV feature delivers specialized recovery data.

With its stylish design, premium materials, and advanced capabilities, the Amazfit Active 2 delivers exceptional value as the ultimate companion for fitness enthusiasts and trendsetters alike.

Availability and Pricing

The Amazfit Active 2 is now available for pre-order in the United States on us.amazfit.com, and will be available globally in February, via Amazfit’s official website and through retail partners, with prices starting at $99.99 for the standard version and $129.99 for the premium version. Zepp Health Corporation zepp.com 3

For more information, please visit www.amazfit.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube.

About Amazfit

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Amazfit, a leading global smart wearable brand focused on health and fitness, is part of Zepp Health (NYSE: ZEPP), a health technology company. Offering a wide selection of smartwatches and bands, Amazfit’s brand tagline “Discover Amazing”, encourages individuals to break their barriers, and exceed expectations while finding joy in every moment.

Amazfit is powered by Zepp Health’s proprietary health management platform that delivers cloud-based 24/7 actionable insights and guidance to help users attain their wellness goals. With outstanding craftsmanship, Amazfit smartwatches have won many design awards, including the iF Design Award and the Red Dot Design Award.

Launched in 2015, Amazfit is today embraced by millions of users. Its products are available in more than 90 countries across the Americas, EMEA, and APAC regions. For more information about Amazfit, visit www.amazfit.com.

SOURCE Amazfit