MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis. - Kohl’s will close 18 under performing stores this year the company announced this week.

Specific locations to be closed won't be announced until the end of March, the company said in a news release about the closure. Kohl's said the closures will save the company about $45 million.

There are two locations in the Baton Rouge area.

"We see exciting growth potential in the new stores and new formats that we are opening this year and are heavily investing in the health of our overall stores portfolio to continue to serve our current and future customers," Kevin Mansell, Kohl's chairman, president and chief executive officer said in a statement. "A vital component of our omnichannel approach is to clearly understand the evolving retail environment and ensure that we are well-positioned to leverage our resources on productive projects."

Kohl's said it underestimated sales of cold-weather goods.

Employees at stores that close will be offered jobs at nearby locations or a severance package, the company said.

Kohl's is based just outside Milwaukee.

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