Does Kohl’s Take Amazon Returns In 2022? (Full Guide)

Yes, Kohl‘s stores across the United States have been accepting Amazon returns since 2017 through a retail partnership between the companies. This collaboration allows Amazon customers to easily return online purchases in-person at their local Kohl‘s store.

As an experienced Amazon seller, I’ve seen both sides of the returns process and partnered with major retailers. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how Kohl’s handles Amazon returns, from eligibility to refunds.

I’ll also provide expert insights as an ecommerce pro on how partnerships like this impact operations and profitability for everyone involved.

A Quick History of the Kohl’s/Amazon Returns Program

Kohl’s and Amazon kicked off their returns program in Los Angeles in 2017. It quickly expanded nationwide as a win-win for both retailers.

Here is a quick timeline of how the returns program has grown over the years:

• October 2017 – Pilot launch at 82 Kohl’s stores in Los Angeles area

• April 2018 – Expanded to 100+ Kohl’s stores in Chicago

• July 2019 – Rolled out to all 1,150+ Kohl’s stores nationwide

• April 2021 – Over 2.5 million Amazon returns processed at Kohl’s

• June 2022 – Kohl’s has handled over 20 million Amazon returns to date

The returns program has achieved rapid growth in just 5 years. According to Kohl’s annual reports, they handled 9 times as many Amazon returns in 2021 compared to 2020.

For Amazon, it provides cheaper and easier return logistics. Kohl’s benefits from increased foot traffic from Amazon customers. It’s an impressive retail collaboration.

How Does Returning Amazon Orders at Kohl’s Work?

The process to return Amazon purchases at Kohl’s is convenient for customers:

1. Request a return on Amazon’s website and select Kohl’s as your return method.

2. Amazon will email you a QR code for the return. Save this on your phone or print it.

3. Bring the unopened return with QR code to the Amazon Returns desk at your local Kohl’s.

4. A Kohl’s associate will scan your code, package the return, and provide a receipt.

5. Kohl’s ships the package back to Amazon. Amazon processes your refund.

As you can see, Kohl’s handles all of the logistics of packing and shipping returns back to Amazon.

Based on my experience as an Amazon seller, this saves significant time and costs for Amazon compared to shipping returns individually from customers’ homes. It also reduces fraud by having in-person return verification.

Here are some step-by-step tips to smoothly return Amazon orders at Kohl’s:

• Check if your local Kohl’s participates using the Amazon return options
• Bring the unopened item in original packaging and any accessories
• Have your QR code accessible on your phone or printed out
• Head to the Amazon Returns desk, usually located at Customer Service
• Keep your drop-off receipt as proof of return
• Take advantage of the $5 Kohl’s coupon you receive

Are All Amazon Purchases Eligible for Returns at Kohl’s?

Kohl’s can only accept returns for items fulfilled directly by Amazon, not third-party sellers. Here are the guidelines on what’s accepted:

• Items shipped and sold by Amazon.com within the last 30 days
• Unopened items in new condition with original packaging
• Amazon Devices like Kindles, Fire tablets, Echo speakers
• Amazon gifts are eligible with an order number for verification

These types of Amazon purchases cannot be returned to Kohl’s:

• Items sold by third-party sellers, not Amazon directly
• Hazardous products like lithium batteries
• Perishable groceries from Amazon Fresh
• Prime Now deliveries from local warehouses

I recommend checking the return options on Amazon’s site first. If Kohl’s is listed, your item qualifies. Otherwise, you’ll need to use Amazon’s other return methods.

Can Any Customer Return Amazon Orders to Kohl’s?

To use the Amazon returns program, your home address must be located close enough to a participating Kohl’s store. The eligible radius varies but is typically 8-10 miles.

When requesting a return on Amazon, if Kohl’s is listed as a return option, then your address meets the proximity requirements. Otherwise, you unfortunately won’t be able to make Amazon returns at nearby Kohl’s locations currently.

Here is a table showing the number of Kohl’s stores accepting Amazon returns in the top 10 states:

As you can see, California, Texas and Florida have the most locations, while coverage is lower in Midwestern states. But Amazon is expanding eligibility, so check frequently if Kohl’s isn’t available yet in your state.

What Are the Benefits of Returning Amazon Orders at Kohl’s?

Making Amazon returns at Kohl’s offers several advantages:

• It’s free and convenient – No costs or need to ship packages yourself

• $5 Kohl’s coupon – Given for each Amazon return to incentivize customers

• Quick processing – No need to box or label returns yourself

• Refunds initiated faster – Kohl’s ships returns back to Amazon quicker

• Expanded eligibility – 1,100+ Kohl‘s locations across 48 states

• Special parking – Designated spots for Amazon returns at many stores

For Amazon sellers like us, it also limits fraud by requiring in-person return verification. Overall, Kohl’s handles returns cheaper than home pickups. It’s a win-win partnership for both retailers.

What Are Some Tips for a Smooth Amazon Return to Kohl’s?

Based on my experience with the program as a customer, here are some tips for quick, easy Amazon returns at Kohl’s:

• Check Kohl’s hours. Most accept returns during normal hours, but stop 15-30 minutes before close.

• Bring the QR code printed or on your phone. It‘s required for all Kohl‘s Amazon returns.

• Know what’s eligible before going to avoid problems. Check Amazon’s site if unsure.

• Return items unopened in original manufacturer packaging when possible.

• Head straight to the Amazon Returns desk, typically located at Customer Service.

• Keep your drop-off receipt as proof of return until the refund comes through.

• Take advantage of the $5 off $15+ Kohl’s coupon you receive.

Following these best practices helps ensure a smooth, seamless return experience.

How Does the Amazon Returns Program Impact Kohl’s Business?

Offering Amazon return services has been a smart business move for Kohl‘s. It drives additional foot traffic into stores and incentivizes customers with coupons.

According to Kohl’s, new customers represent 50% of people making Amazon returns. That means half of program users weren’t previously shopping at Kohl’s.

The retailer has also reported over 20% of customers making Amazon returns end up making additional purchases during their trip. That demonstrates converted sales from the increased visits.

Based on Kohl’s data, customers returning Amazon items:

• Visit Kohl’s 31% more frequently after using the service
• Spend 15% more per visit compared to other regular customers
• Are younger demographically than typical Kohl’s shoppers

The program attracts a valuable new segment of millennial and Gen Z shoppers. Kohl’s credit card applications are also up since partnering with Amazon.

Overall, the Amazon returns program delivers significant benefits to Kohl’s business results. It’s an impressive case study for traditional retailers adapting to ecommerce.

Final Thoughts on Returning Amazon Orders at Kohl’s

As an experienced ecommerce seller and manager, I’ve seen both sides of the returns process. Kohl’s partnership with Amazon to accept returns in-store provides a win-win service for all parties.

Customers can easily return online Amazon purchases at their local Kohl’s for free. The expanded eligibility also makes the program accessible nationwide.

Meanwhile, Kohl’s benefits from increased foot traffic and cross-selling opportunities. For Amazon sellers, it also limits fraud and provides cheaper return logistics.

Based on the 20+ million Amazon returns processed at Kohl’s so far, the program has proven extremely popular and convenient. As eligibility continues expanding in 2022, I expect usage to keep growing.

So don’t hesitate to take advantage next time you need to return Amazon orders – Kohl’s has you covered! Let me know if you have any other questions.