East Windsor, NJ - Kohl's, the Wisconsin-based department store chain, will shutter its location at 72 Princeton Hightstown Road in East Windsor, New Jersey, this weekend as part of a broader initiative to close 27 underperforming stores nationwide.

The closure, set for Saturday, March 29, marks the end of an era for this Central Jersey retail spot, which has served the community since its opening in October 2017.

The decision to close the East Windsor store comes amid a challenging period for Kohl's, which has reported 11 consecutive quarters of declining sales. Company officials stated that the closures are a strategic move to bolster profitability and ensure the long-term health of the business.

"While Kohl's continues to believe in the strength of its profitable store base, these specific locations were underperforming," the company said in a statement earlier this year.

The East Windsor location is the only Kohl's store in the tri-state area slated for closure in this round.

Kohl's announced the closures in January as part of its "real estate changes for 2025," with all 27 stores scheduled to cease operations by April. The East Windsor location's final day of business this Saturday aligns with most of the other closures, which have been widely reported to conclude on March 29.

Employees at the affected stores, including East Windsor, have been offered either a competitive severance package or the opportunity to apply for positions at other Kohl's locations, though the company has not disclosed the exact number of workers impacted.

The closure reflects broader shifts in the retail landscape, with Kohl's adapting to evolving consumer habits and economic pressures.

"As we build on our long-term growth strategy, it's important to take difficult but necessary actions," said Tom Kingsbury, former Kohl's CEO, in a statement accompanying the initial announcement. Ashley Buchanan, who assumed the role of CEO in mid-January, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing a focus on delivering value and an enhanced customer experience moving forward.

For East Windsor residents, the loss of Kohl's leaves a gap in the local shopping scene, though nearby options like the Kohl's in Hamilton Township (approximately 7.7 miles away) remain available.

The company has not indicated plans to open a replacement store in the immediate area.