For more than five years, Amazon shoppers have been able to return their purchases in-person at Kohl’s locations throughout the U.S. Right now, they might not be able to, according to a new report.
USA Today reported Wednesday that Kohl’s confirmed it had temporarily stopped accepting Amazon returns at certain locations. Per the report, the company said in a statement that it was “conducting a test” at those stores in Leominster, Mass., Eau Claire, Wisc., and Washington, Mo.
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However, Kohl’s webpage explaining the return program was not updated as of Friday afternoon.
Last week, Kohl’s said in a press release covering fourth quarter earnings that net sales decreased 9.4% and comparable sales decreased 6.7%. The Menomonee Falls, Wisc.-based company also said fiscal year 2024 net sales decreased 7.2% and comparable sales decreased 6.5%.
Citing The Washington Post’s report from last year, USA Today said “the returns program slowed down store operations while not adding sales,” for the chain of department stores. Additionally, the move was largely greeted with praise by associates when an employee mentioned it on Reddit.
Kohl’s started a pilot program testing the Amazon returns in 2017 and in 2019 announced that it would be expanded to more than 1,150 locations across 48 states. Its announcement said that items could be returned without a box or a label.
“Kohl’s has a test and learn culture that helps us to evolve our store experience and stay informed about customers’ expectations and preferences,” the retailer said in a statement, according to USA Today’s report this week.
By April, Kohl’s plans to close 27 of its underperforming stores and 10% of its corporate workforce. Company CEO Ashley Buchanan said that “key areas of focus” have been identified for action in 2025 to “reposition Kohl’s for future success.”
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