Kohl (also spelled kajal) has been used since ancient times for cosmetic and cultural purposes. It is believed to protect the eyes from evil eyes, the glare of the sun and various diseases. Newborn babies are delicately dabbed with kohl in traditional households. Kohl is also widely used in Ayurvedic medicine for its purifying and rejuvenating properties. However, kohl can contain toxic heavy metals such as lead. It is a significant health hazard, as high levels of lead ingestion can cause anemia and result in other complications including poor brain function, mental retardation, convulsions, and death. Inhaling kohl can also cause neurological and cognitive impairment in children.
Kohl’s Outlook Revised to Negative
Fitch’s revised outlook for Kohl’s reflects reduced confidence in its ability to rebound from a challenging 2022 characterized by softening spending on discretionary categories like apparel and home, as well as management mis-execution around excess inventory and consequentially high promotional activity pressuring margins. In our view, Kohl’s ability to build omnichannel capabilities, attract unique and exclusive brands, and stabilize adjusted leverage are key to improving its competitive position and traffic longer term. Achieving these objectives would likely support stabilization of Kohl’s ‘BBB-‘ rating. kohl uk