Kohl’s simultaneously opened nine new stores in seven states, bringing the retailer’s total store count to 1,155.

When Macy’s reported a 4.2% May same-store sales gain on Wednesday, ahead of the rest of the pack, analysts wondered whether that would set the tone for the rest of the department store players. It did — and it didn’t.

Kohl’s Corp. is looking to focus on smaller stores as it continues to expand across the country, chairman and CEO Kevin Mansell said in remarks following the company's annual meeting Thursday, according to The Business Journal.

Kohl’s reported that its first quarter diluted earnings per share increased 14% to 73 cents, in line with Citi analysts expectations and with the company's updated guidance that EPS would be toward the high-end of 68 cents to 73 cents (provided on May 5).

Kohl’s announced the early renewal of its long-term license agreement to be the exclusive provider...