Ryan M. Waymire, Walmart’s senior vice president of fashion, will be joining Kohl’s Corp. as chief merchandising officer on Sept. 28.
Waymire, who will report to Michael J. Bender, Kohl’s chief executive officer, replaces Nick Jones, who has been serving as chief merchandising officer since 2023 and was instrumental in significant merchandising changes geared to reverse the store’s negative sales trends over the last several seasons.
While Kohl’s as of late has been reporting some improved selling trends, apparently it hasn’t been enough.
Last week, in its second-quarter financial report, the Menomonee Falls, Wisc.-based retailer cited slowing sales declines, reduced expenses and signs that certain turnaround initiatives were kicking in. Among Kohl’s efforts, there’s a revamped back-to-school presentation for 2026, prioritizing Nike, Levi’s and opening prices on private brands. There’s thousands of items under $25 as well as improved signage, more mannequins to show trends and styles, and a simplified approach to merchandising in the stores to focus on fewer, better-selling brands being carried in greater depth, for what executives describe as “easier, simpler shopping and clarity.”
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On the other hand, women’s apparel and beauty have been experiencing weakness.
Waymire has 25 years of experience at large retailers including Walmart, Amazon and Target. He most recently served as senior vice president of fashion at Walmart U.S. “He has a proven record of transforming merchandise strategies for a broad customer base and driving results by balancing fundamental merchandising excellence with innovation,” Kohl’s said in a statement Monday afternoon.
Waymire will be responsible for Kohl’s overall merchandise strategy and all merchandising functions, including buying, omnichannel merchandising, product design and development, allocation and planning, sourcing and product portfolio strategy.
“As we intentionally build our business for the future, Ryan will take the next step with our merchandising teams in modernizing our overall product offering — with customers at the center of all decisions,” said Bender in a statement. “Ryan has deep experience in understanding how to refresh and drive a merchandise strategy for a broad U.S. customer base, and he has an innovative way of integrating meaningful collaborations and social media influencers into product stories. He is an energetic and inspirational leader, with strong partner relationships, and I know he will be an excellent addition to our senior leadership team. He will hit the ground running with our teams.”
“I’m excited to join Kohl’s at a transformational moment for the company and for retail,” said Waymire. “Throughout my career, I’ve focused on helping retailers and brands deliver what customers want and need while also inspiring them with stylish, high-quality products that bring joy to their lives. I look forward to helping shape Kohl’s merchandising strategy and delivering differentiated products and experiences that surprise and delight customers across the country.”
Prior to working at Walmart, Waymire was general manager, brand president for BirchLane at Wayfair, senior vice president of merchandising and brand Partnerships at FabFitFun, and managed apparel and brand partnership at Amazon. Earlier in his career, he spent nearly a decade at Target in progressive buying, sourcing and merchandising roles.
Jones “has played a key leadership role in driving our merchandise strategy, curating our national and private brand portfolio, and improving processes in the way we work,” said Bender. “I want to thank Nick for his leadership and contributions to Kohl’s.”
