1230 ET - Department stores are facing a challenging traffic environment, Placer.ai data shows. The location-analytics firms says in a report that pressure is most visible among mid-market chains without a sharply defined value or experiential proposition. Included in this cohort is Kohl's, which during the recent quarter saw per-location visits fall 3.2% and overall traffic slip 5%. JCPenney declined 3.8% and 5.5%, respectively. "Macy's, meanwhile, saw overall traffic drop as it continued rightsizing--though per-location visits held relatively steady, suggesting its turnaround strategy is beginning to bear fruit," the report reads. Kohl's shares are trading 6.4% lower, a day before the company is scheduled to report earnings. (connor.hart@wsj.com)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

March 09, 2026 12:30 ET (16:30 GMT)

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