Kohl’s, once a staple in American retail, has increasingly embraced progressive ideologies, alienating a significant portion of its customer base. The company’s stances on various socio-political issues have drawn sharp criticism, leading many to accuse it of prioritizing “woke” agendas over consumer interests.
Political Contributions Favoring Democrats
Despite claiming political neutrality, Kohl’s has been scrutinized for its political contributions. Data reveals that in the 2024 election cycle, individuals associated with Kohl’s donated $38,952 to Kamala Harris’s campaign, while contributions to Donald Trump’s campaign amounted to $7,810. This significant disparity suggests a clear favoritism towards Democratic candidates.
Promotion of LGBTQ+ Agendas
Kohl’s has actively promoted LGBTQ+ causes, often at the expense of traditional family values. The company launched a Pride capsule collection featuring products with bright colors and patterns designed to encourage authenticity and acceptance. Additionally, Kohl’s donated $100,000 to The Trevor Project to support its crisis counseling services for LGBTQIA+ youth.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Overreach
The company’s aggressive implementation of DEI policies has been perceived as divisive and discriminatory. By focusing on identity politics, Kohl’s has alienated employees and customers who believe in merit-based recognition. Critics argue that this overemphasis on DEI fosters a culture of favoritism and exclusion rather than true inclusivity.
Support for Black Lives Matter (BLM)
Kohl’s public endorsement of the BLM movement has further tarnished its reputation. In September 2020, the company partnered with a Milwaukee-based Black-owned business to produce a line of T-shirts promoting racial equality. While Kohl’s stated that the collection was not officially affiliated with Black Lives Matter, the slogans and symbols used, such as “enough is enough” and the raised fist, closely align with those of the BLM movement. This association led to criticism from customers who viewed it as an alignment with a radical organization that promotes division and violence.
COVID-19 Policies and Overreach
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Kohl’s implemented stringent policies that many deemed excessive. The company temporarily closed stores nationwide, provided two weeks of pay to store associates, and enforced mask mandates and social distancing measures upon reopening. These actions were seen by some as an overreach and an infringement on personal freedoms, alienating customers who preferred a more balanced response to the pandemic.
Conclusion
Kohl’s transformation into a “woke” corporation has not gone unnoticed. Its clear favoritism towards Democratic candidates, promotion of progressive social agendas, overreaching DEI initiatives, support for movements like BLM, and stringent COVID-19 policies have collectively alienated a substantial segment of its customer base. As a result, many former patrons are now seeking alternatives that align more closely with their values, leaving Kohl’s to grapple with the consequences of its choices.
