Kohl’s stock (NYSE: KSS) surged dramatically this week as retail traders reignited interest in the retail giant, drawing parallels to the meme stock mania that previously boosted GameStop and AMC. On Tuesday, KSS stock soared by over 20% intraday before closing with impressive double-digit gains — a rally largely attributed to the resurgence of speculative trading activity on forums like WallStreetBets.
Retail Traders Target KSS Stock in Surprise Move
The unexpected spike in Kohl’s stock came after it gained traction on Reddit’s WallStreetBets community, where users began hyping KSS as the next big short squeeze. The movement appeared coordinated, with social media posts flooding in citing undervaluation, short interest, and potential real estate assets as bullish arguments.
Much like Opendoor stock, which also experienced similar price movements this week, KSS stock was swept into the meme stock spotlight. Analysts are still assessing whether there are long-term fundamentals to support the momentum or if this is another short-lived retail-driven spike.
Kohl’s Stock (KSS) Sees Unusual Volume and Volatility
Tuesday’s trading session saw trading volumes for Kohl’s stock triple their daily average, with market makers and institutional investors scrambling to adjust positions. The volatility in KSS stock led to multiple trading halts, reminiscent of previous meme stock runs.
Despite no major operational announcements from Kohl’s itself, speculation about potential buyout interests and real estate asset sales resurfaced. Analysts at several firms, including Morgan Stanley and Deutsche Bank, noted the company’s underutilized real estate portfolio could make it an attractive acquisition target.
Market Experts Weigh In
Financial experts remain divided on the surge. “This is a classic case of momentum-driven trading with minimal regard to actual fundamentals,” said one analyst. Others argue Kohl’s might actually benefit from the renewed attention, especially as the company attempts to pivot its brand and retail footprint in a post-pandemic economy.
Meanwhile, Opendoor stock, another retail investor favorite, surged in parallel as speculative interest spilled over. The thematic connection between Opendoor and Kohl’s stock appears to lie in their perceived undervaluation and significant institutional short interest — key ingredients for a meme stock rally.
What’s Next for Kohl’s?
Whether the surge in KSS stock holds or fizzles will depend heavily on market sentiment and whether retail investors continue their coordinated efforts. Long-term investors are urged to exercise caution, as Kohl’s stock could remain highly volatile in the coming days.
Still, this unexpected momentum offers an opportunity for Kohl’s leadership to potentially leverage the spotlight and communicate a more compelling growth strategy to the market.
As of Wednesday morning, KSS stock was still trending across trading platforms and message boards, signaling that the story is far from over.
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