Kohl's vs Target: Retail Comparison 2026
Target wins for most shoppers due to +2.1% sales growth, 1,950-store convenience, and comprehensive one-stop shopping with groceries and same-day fulfillment, while Kohl's appeals to deal-seekers prioritizing apparel and loyalty rewards despite -0.9% declining sales.
Kohl's Corporation
Mid-sized US department store chain specializing in apparel, footwear, and home goods with 1,150+ locations.
Budget-conscious shoppers seeking apparel deals, home furnishings, and brand-name clothing with loyalty rewards in traditional retail environments.
Target Corporation
Large-format US retailer offering general merchandise, apparel, groceries, and electronics across 1,950+ locations.
Convenience-focused shoppers wanting one-stop shopping for apparel, home goods, groceries, and electronics with fast fulfillment options and curated brand experiences.
Target wins for most shoppers due to +2.1% sales growth, 1,950-store convenience, and comprehensive one-stop shopping with groceries and same-day fulfillment, while Kohl's appeals to deal-seekers prioritizing apparel and loyalty rewards despite -0.9% declining sales.
Deciding factor: Stronger comparable sales growth (+2.1% vs -0.9%), larger footprint (1,950 vs 1,150 stores), and omnichannel capabilities drive customer preference
Key fact: Target's comparable sales grew 2.1% in 2025 while Kohl's declined 0.9% in Q2 2026, reflecting stronger market demand and customer retention at Target.
Choose Target if you want a comprehensive one-stop shopping experience with stronger sales momentum, better grocery integration, and superior omnichannel capabilities. Choose Kohl's if you prefer a specialized department store focused on apparel and home goods with strong promotional offers and loyalty rewards, though be aware of its smaller footprint and recent sales headwinds.
Choose Kohl's Corporation if
Budget-conscious shoppers seeking apparel deals, home furnishings, and brand-name clothing with loyalty rewards in traditional retail environments.
Choose Target Corporation if
Best pickConvenience-focused shoppers wanting one-stop shopping for apparel, home goods, groceries, and electronics with fast fulfillment options and curated brand experiences.
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Key Differences at a Glance
- Total Revenue (2025):✓ Target Corporation wins($108.2 billion vs $37.7 billion)
- Store Count (as of 2026):✓ Target Corporation wins(~1,950 stores vs ~1,150 stores)
- Comparable Sales Growth (2025-2026):✓ Target Corporation wins(+2.1% (2025) vs -0.9% (Q2 2026))
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Key Facts & Figures
5 numeric metrics compared
| Metric | Kohl's Corporation | Target Corporation | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Annual Revenue(billion USD) | $37.7B (2025) | $108.2B (2025) | |
| Store Location Count(locations) | ~1,150 (2026) | ~1,950 (2026) | |
| Comparable Sales Change(percent) | -0.9% (Q2 2026) | +2.1% (2025) | |
| Gross Margin Improvement (Recent)(basis points) | +305 bps (Q2 2026) | ~50-75 bps (typical 2025) | |
| Diluted Earnings Per Share (Recent Quarter)(USD) | $1.28 (Q2 2026) | $1.58 (Q3 2025) |
Sourced from publicly available data ·
Key Differences
7 attributes compared head-to-head
- $37.7 billionTotal Revenue (2025)$108.2 billion(winner)
- ~1,150 storesStore Count (as of 2026)~1,950 stores(winner)
- -0.9% (Q2 2026)Comparable Sales Growth (2025-2026)+2.1% (2025)(winner)
- +305 basis points(winner)Gross Margin Performance (Q2 2026)~27-28% (industry standard)
- Apparel, footwear, home goods, accessoriesPrimary Merchandise FocusGeneral merchandise, apparel, groceries, home, electronics(winner)
- Moderate; expanding digital channelsE-commerce IntegrationStrong; unified omnichannel with same-day services(winner)
- Primarily US mall-based locationsGeographic PresenceUS, Canada, international; mixed urban/suburban(winner)
- Total Revenue (2025)
Kohl's Corporation
$37.7 billion
Target Corporation
$108.2 billion(winner)
- Store Count (as of 2026)
Kohl's Corporation
~1,150 stores
Target Corporation
~1,950 stores(winner)
- Comparable Sales Growth (2025-2026)
Kohl's Corporation
-0.9% (Q2 2026)
Target Corporation
+2.1% (2025)(winner)
- Gross Margin Performance (Q2 2026)
Kohl's Corporation
+305 basis points(winner)
Target Corporation
~27-28% (industry standard)
- Primary Merchandise Focus
Kohl's Corporation
Apparel, footwear, home goods, accessories
Target Corporation
General merchandise, apparel, groceries, home, electronics(winner)
Full Comparison
| Attribute | Kohl's Corporation | Target Corporation |
|---|---|---|
| Total Annual Revenue(billion USD) | $37.7B (2025) | $108.2B (2025)(winner) |
| Store Location Count(locations) | ~1,150 (2026) | ~1,950 (2026)(winner) |
| Comparable Sales Change(percent) | -0.9% (Q2 2026) | +2.1% (2025)(winner) |
| Gross Margin Improvement (Recent)(basis points) | +305 bps (Q2 2026)(winner) | ~50-75 bps (typical 2025) |
| Merchandise Category Breadth(categories) | 4 major (apparel, footwear, home, accessories) | 6+ major (apparel, groceries, electronics, home, wellness, seasonal)(winner) |
| Omnichannel Fulfillment Options(services offered) | Ship-from-store, Buy-online-pickup-in-store, standard delivery | Same-day delivery, Drive-Up, Order Pick-up, Ship-from-store, Reorder on-app(winner) |
| Diluted Earnings Per Share (Recent Quarter)(USD) | $1.28 (Q2 2026) | $1.58 (Q3 2025)(winner) |
| Primary Customer Demographics(index/profile) | Value-conscious, apparel-focused, loyalty-program engaged | Convenience-focused, one-stop shoppers, mid-to-upper-middle income |
Kohl's CorporationTarget CorporationPros & Cons
10 pros·6 cons across both
Kohl's Corporation
Pros
Cons
Target Corporation
Pros
Cons
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions
Target demonstrates stronger sales momentum with +2.1% comparable sales growth in 2025, while Kohl's is declining at -0.9% in Q2 2026. However, Kohl's has shown quarterly improvement and is executing turnaround initiatives under CEO Michael Bender, achieving its best comparable sales performance in over four years.
Target offers a meaningful grocery selection including perishables, prepared foods, and pantry staples through its collaboration with Roundel and private label 'Good & Gather' brand. Kohl's does not sell groceries; it focuses exclusively on apparel, footwear, home goods, and accessories.
Kohl's operates a robust 'Kohl's Cash' loyalty program providing earn-and-burn incentives on purchases, driving repeat visits. Target offers RedCard (credit/debit option) with 5% discount on most purchases and free shipping, plus Circle app-based personalized offers. Both are competitive, but Kohl's Cash is more aggressive for frequent shoppers.
Target operates ~1,950 stores versus Kohl's ~1,150, providing greater geographic convenience and accessibility. Target locations are typically larger format and in varied urban/suburban settings, while Kohl's stores are predominantly mall-based, which can affect foot traffic depending on mall health.
Both excel in apparel but serve different market segments. Kohl's specializes in brand-name fashion (Levi's, Nike, Adidas, Calvin Klein) with heavy discounting. Target emphasizes curated, in-house brands (Cat & Jack, A New Day, Universal Thread) at mid-range prices. Choose Kohl's for branded discounts; choose Target for trendy house brands at accessible pricing.
Resources & Learn More
Curated sources to dive deeper
Wikipedia
- W
Kohl's Corporation on Wikipedia (opens in new tab)
Mid-sized US department store chain specializing in apparel, footwear, and home goods with 1,150+ locations.
- W
Target Corporation on Wikipedia (opens in new tab)
Large-format US retailer offering general merchandise, apparel, groceries, and electronics across 1,950+ locations.
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