Is the Civil Claim of $175 from Kohl's a Bluff?

I received three letters in the mail demanding $175 as a civil claim for stealing shoes at Kohl's. I dealt with all of the legal work proceeding the crime and I cannot afford to give up $175 to Kohl's. I've read that if I don't pay they will bring me to court. I've also read that the don't always follow through on some cases. Is this a bluff? A threat? Or will I need to give in?