Kohl's Turns to Michaels CEO for Renewal

In a strategic move aimed at revitalizing its business, Kohl's Corporation has announced the appointment of Ashley Buchanan, the current CEO of Michaels Companies, as its new CEO, effective January 15, 2025. This change in leadership comes at a critical juncture for Kohl's, as it grapples with sluggish sales and increased competition in the retail sector.

Buchanan brings a wealth of retail experience to Kohl's, having served in various senior executive roles at Walmart and Sam's Club over a span of 13 years. His tenure at Michaels, where he has been CEO since 2020, has been marked by significant growth in the digital business and the expansion of small format stores. These achievements, coupled with his expertise in merchandising and pricing strategy, make Buchanan an attractive choice for Kohl's as it seeks to adapt to the rapidly evolving retail landscape.



The appointment of Buchanan signals Kohl's commitment to reinvigorating its business and staying competitive in the face of challenges from big-box retailers and e-commerce giants like Walmart and Amazon. By leveraging Buchanan's experience in digital transformation, merchandising, and pricing strategy, Kohl's aims to diversify its product offerings, improve its omnichannel presence, and enhance the customer experience.

One of the key areas where Buchanan's expertise can be applied is in the improvement of Kohl's e-commerce presence. His experience in digital business expansion at Michaels can help Kohl's enhance its online offerings, optimize its mobile app and website, and create more engaging shopping experiences for customers. By integrating in-store and online experiences, Kohl's can strengthen its omnichannel strategy and better compete with rivals.



In addition to strengthening its e-commerce presence, Kohl's can also benefit from Buchanan's successful merchandise strategy at Michaels. By applying a similar approach, Kohl's can diversify its product offerings and cater to a broader customer base. This could involve streamlining product categories, focusing on best-selling items, and enhancing the online shopping experience. Moreover, Buchanan's familiarity with merchandise strategy and pricing can help Kohl's optimize its inventory, reduce markdowns, and improve profitability.

As Kohl's looks to the future, Buchanan's appointment represents a strategic move to address the challenges facing the retail industry. By leveraging his experience in digital transformation, merchandising, and pricing strategy, Kohl's can enhance its omnichannel presence, improve the customer experience, and ultimately, drive growth and profitability. With Buchanan at the helm, Kohl's is poised to navigate the complexities of the retail landscape and emerge stronger than ever.

Investors should monitor Kohl's progress as Buchanan takes the reins and implements his strategic vision. As the retail industry continues to evolve, the success of Kohl's will depend on its ability to adapt and innovate. With Buchanan's leadership, the company is well-positioned to capitalize on emerging opportunities and stay competitive in the face of ongoing challenges.