Kohl’s (KSS) falls 9.4% as gas prices pressure discretionary retail outlook

Kohl’s Corp. (NYSE: KSS) shares fell 9.4% in afternoon trading on May 14, 2026, as investors weighed the risk that surging gasoline prices will further squeeze household budgets and reduce discretionary spending. Gas prices have climbed to their highest levels since 2022, increasing cost pressures on lower- and middle-income consumers. The retail sector also faces weaker consumer confidence, with the University of Michigan consumer sentiment index falling to 47.6 in April, the lowest reading in the survey’s 74-year history. The move follows a 2.8% decline one week earlier, when higher oil prices and gasoline near $4 a gallon raised concerns about apparel, electronics and home-goods demand. Kohl’s shares are down 38.6% year to date and recently traded at $13.11, 47% below their 52-week high of $24.71 reached in December 2025.