Image Source: Kohl's
Amazon returns officially received the green light on Wednesday at ten Kohl's stores throughout Los Angeles and Chicago. Now, shoppers can find Amazon smart home products as well as make Amazon returns at the Amazon Boutique inside Kohl's stores. Look for the Amazon Echo and Kindle among other products, and Amazon employees will be the ones running the show. However, Kohl's employees will be making the returns.
The goal of this partnership is to attract customers into Kohl's and to make Amazon returns even easier than they already are. We think it's a great decision for both retail giants, and we're eager to see how this will perform, especially with Black Friday around the corner! Check out the list of the 10 of 82 Kohl's locations that now accept Amazon returns and sell Amazon smart home products:
New in retail news today is Kohl's announcement that 82 stores spanning Los Angeles and Chicago will be accepting in-store returns from Amazon customers beginning in October. Earlier this month, Kohl's also announced that they plan to open up Amazon boutiques in 10 of its stores across the same two cities, offering items such as Amazon Echos, Fire Tablets, and other gadgets for a smart home experience. With this latest partnership, we're sure of one thing: Amazon is taking over retail and they know it.
Kohl's employees will be the ones packing, shipping, and returning the products to Amazon for free, and this partnership is a clear manifestation of the power of both companies. Kohl's Chief Administrative Officer Richard Schepp states that "[this] is a great example of how Kohl’s and Amazon are leveraging each other's strengths – the power of Kohl’s store portfolio and omnichannel capabilities combined with the power of Amazon’s reach and loyal customer base.” This deal offers an unparalleled, novel shopping experience that proves retail times are rapidly and perpetually changing and adaptation is key. Moreover, it extends new possibilities as exclusively Amazon shoppers who take advantage of this convenience will be introduced to the Kohl's brand.
Only eligible Amazon items can be returned at select Kohl's stores, and there are no restrictions regarding the return reason and the item's packaging. There will even be designated parking spots near the front of the store for customers visiting Kohl's to make Amazon returns. The aforementioned 10 stores opening Amazon boutiques will be 10 of the 82 Kohl's stores offering Amazon returns. To learn more, click here to read Kohl's press release.
It was also announced earlier this month that the acquisition of Whole Foods by Amazon was finalized and enacted. Whole Foods shared that the partnership would include lower prices on popular essentials and even discounts for Amazon Prime customers. Nordstrom, as another method to keep up with the fluid shopping scene, announced a new retail concept store that includes in-store stylists, manicures, and wine. There is no doubt that the retail market is changing, but we really don't know what to anticipate in future partnerships, innovative shopping techniques, and the like. Until the next breaking news, we want to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
