Small Business Coaching: Lessons from Kohl’s and Macy’s Closures

Retail Giants Are Crumbling: A Warning Signal for Small Businesses

Kohl’s and Macy’s are well-known retailers. But after decades of dominance and untold billions in revenue, the two retail behemoths are closing stores across the country at an accelerating pace.

If you’re a small business owner, it’s not just retail gossip — it’s a flashing warning sign.

So if these giants are vulnerable — and I’m a veteran business coach who can tell you they are — your business is not immune.

Lesson #1 from a Business Coach: Relevance Over Tradition

Kohl’s and Macy’s died the death of inattention. Customer expectations were changing — they were shopping online more, demanding tailored experiences, and seeking convenience.

But these brands? They grasped at enormous storefronts and old models.

What small-business owners need to know:

• The market has no time for traditions. It rewards relevance.
  
• Length of years doesn’t save you — adaptability does.
  
• A small business mentor would tell you: Do you really know what your customers need right now?
  

Small Business Lesson #2 from a Small Business Coach: Size Does Not Always Matter

In 2025, being a big shot is a double-edged sword.

Big stores translate to big rent, big staff expenses, and huge overhead. When customer demand drops, those costs don’t.

But as a small business, you need a secret weapon — agility.

You could do it with a competent business coach to guide you through:

• Swiftly pivoting to match market needs
  
• Keeping your cost structure lean
  
• Creating without several layers of approval

Be aware: ease is not the same as safety. What has worked before, because you’ve “always done it this way,” doesn’t mean it’ll work tomorrow.

Small Business Coach Lesson #3: Specificity Wins — EVERY — Time

Macy’s and Kohl’s attempted to be all things to all people — and didn’t do much for anyone.

As a small business, you have power in concentration. With assistance from a small business coach, you can:

• Recognize your most profitable customer base
  
• Write offers that really solve their pain points
  
• Develop loyalty by reaching out authentically
  

Don’t dilute your message. Own your niche.

Four Business Coaching Tips to Future-Proof Your Business

1. Get to Know Your Customer Better Than Ever

Ask, listen, analyze.

• What do your best customers absolutely love about you?
  
• Why do others leave?
  
• What do they struggle with the most?
  

A business coach can expose your blind spots.

2. A Business Coach Will Audit Your Expenses

If you lost 20% of your revenue tomorrow, would you survive?

Cut the bloat. Get rid of what doesn’t add value. Focus on a lean, resilient business.

3. A Business Coach on Building Smart, Not Just Big

You can never out-Amazon Amazon. But you can:

• Be local
  
• Be personal
  
• Be real
  

Here is where a small business coach can help you differentiate.

4. Reinvent Before You Are Forced To Do So by the Market

Macy’s and Kohl’s took too long. You shouldn’t.

• Test new products
  
• Explore new platforms
  
• Challenge assumptions
  

Because the companies that survive are the ones that adapt ahead of time — not after the fact.

Final Words from a Small Business Coaching Expert

No brand is too big to fail. However, no entrepreneur is too small to win.

This is not about feeling sorry for big stores. It’s about not repeating their mistakes.

As a business coach, I get to see one truth repeat, again and again:

Those that replace the past are built on what can be learned from it.

So keep building. Stay curious. And lead boldly.

Because you? You’re still in the fight.

And the right guidance from a committed business coach can be a game-changer.

For additional reading:

1. Kohl’s Closing Underperforming Stores Nationwide
2. Macy’s Confirms Planned Store Closures
3. Macy’s and Kohl’s Closing Stores in Florida