Kohl’s to Accept Amazon Returns at All Locations

Starting in July, Kohl’s will accept Amazon returns at over 1,150 stores in 48 states. Customers can return items without a box or label, and the service is free of charge.

Kohl’s launched the Amazon Returns program in 2017, beginning with just 10 stores. The company then expanded the service to 103 locations in Los Angeles, Chicago and Milwaukee.

Here’s how Amazon Returns work at Kohl’s:

1. A customer logs into the Amazon Online Return Center to select a Kohl’s drop-off location.
2. Amazon emails the customer a QR code to use for the transaction.
3. The customer brings the item to the pre-selected Kohl’s location. It does not need to be packaged for shipping.
4. The customer pulls up the QR code on his or her phone, then shows it to the Kohl’s associate to scan.
5. Kohl’s packages the item and ships it to Amazon for free.

This service is a convenience for Amazon shoppers, but it is also a marketing opportunity for Kohl’s. Shoppers may be enticed to browse the store, since they are already there making a return. In fact, Kohl’s encourages this on their Amazon Returns page: “Drop off your Amazon items on your way to replacing the kids’ worn-out socks and shoes or find immediate replacements for what you’re returning.”

Thus far, the system is working in the retailer’s favor. A report from Earnest Research showed the Chicago market saw an uptick in sales within one month of launching Amazon Returns. Kohl’s Chicago stores saw a revenue growth of 10%, compared to 5% in the rest of the country.