Kohl's Footwear Sales Accelerated in Second Quarter
The retailer’s improved inventory management and brand depth signal a pivot in performance for apparel operators.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Retail
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Kohl's reported a notable rebound in its footwear category, with comparable performance accelerating by approximately 500 basis points in the second quarter compared to the first. The growth highlights a shift in consumer demand toward updated inventory and active brand offerings.
Why it matters
The turnaround underscores how inventory freshness and strategic depth in active brands can help retailers capture consumer demand for value and innovation. These operational shifts allow businesses to better navigate competitive landscapes and recover from prior supply or tariff-related constraints.
Footwear comparable performance accelerated by approximately 500 basis points in the second quarter versus the first quarter, while the kids' footwear business grew by mid-single digits. The retailer is now scaling proprietary inventory to meet demand.
The players
Kohl's
A national department store retailer operating a large network of locations that competes on value-oriented apparel and home goods.
Nike
A global leader in athletic footwear and apparel design that manages complex supply chain operations to serve retail partners.
Skechers
A footwear company that specializes in performance and lifestyle designs sold through its own retail channels and wholesale partners.
Telsey Advisory Group
An equity research firm that analyzes consumer and retail sector trends to provide market intelligence to institutional investors.
Adidas
A major multinational sportswear manufacturer known for its global distribution and brand positioning in the active apparel market.
The details
Kohl's achieved this turnaround by introducing fresh inventory and increasing depth in active brands like Nike and Adidas. The retailer also leveraged its private label portfolio to align with current consumer preferences for quality and value. Additionally, management is reintroducing women's boots to address specific demand that went unfulfilled last year due to tariff constraints.
Timeline
In May 2026, the company reported first-quarter results showing footwear underperformance.
In August 2026, the company reported second-quarter results showing a performance acceleration.
On September 28, 2026, Telsey Advisory Group hosted an investor meeting with the retailer.
During Q4 2026, the company plans to implement flexible holiday promotions.
Market Landscape
This performance rebound follows the significant operational hurdles and tariff constraints experienced by major retailers in 2025. The shift marks a departure from the constrained supply models of the prior year, highlighting a focus on inventory agility.
Operators should evaluate if their current inventory levels and active brand mix are sufficient to meet the consumer pivot toward newness. Businesses should also monitor promotional flexibility plans as a primary metric for navigating competitive fourth-quarter holiday environments.
The takeaway
Retailers can mitigate the impact of previous tariff-related supply gaps by strategically refreshing inventory and aligning proprietary brands with core consumer segments. Monitor the women's boot category performance in the fall as a key signal of broader consumer demand trends.
Further reading
For more on evolving consumer spending, see our coverage of Retail.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WWD.
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