As a student, you‘re always on the lookout for ways to save money while shopping for essentials like clothing, school supplies, and dorm room items. Many retailers offer student discounts to help ease the financial burden, but what about Kohl‘s? In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll explore Kohl‘s student discount policy and provide you with expert tips and tricks to maximize your savings at this popular retail store.
Does Kohl‘s Offer a Student Discount?
While Kohl‘s doesn‘t have a year-round student discount, they do offer a variety of sales, discounts, and rewards programs that can help students save big on their purchases. The most notable of these is the annual Kohl‘s Back to School sale, which takes place during the summer and early fall months.
Kohl‘s Back to School Sale: A Goldmine for Student Savings
The Kohl‘s Back to School sale is a fantastic opportunity for students to stock up on essentials at discounted prices. This sale typically offers a wide range of products, including:
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Clothing: Find great deals on trendy apparel for all ages, with discounts ranging from 20% to 50% off on popular brands like Nike, Under Armour, Adidas, Levi‘s, and Carter‘s. Look for additional savings on wardrobe staples like jeans, t-shirts, and activewear.
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Backpacks and school supplies: During the Back to School sale, Kohl‘s often runs BOGO (Buy One, Get One) deals on backpacks and other school essentials from brands like JanSport, The North Face, and Under Armour, with discounts of up to 50% off. Stock up on notebooks, pens, calculators, and other must-have supplies.
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Dorm room essentials: College students can save big on bedding, storage solutions, decor, and cleaning supplies during the sale, with discounts ranging from 20% to 50% off. Look for deals on twin XL sheets, comforters, pillows, laundry baskets, and shower caddies.
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Electronics: Kohl‘s also offers discounts on electronics during the Back to School sale, including laptops, tablets, headphones, and smartwatches. Expect to find deals from top brands like Apple, Samsung, and Fitbit, with discounts of up to 30% off.
As a savvy shopper and retail expert, I always make a list of the items I need before hitting the Kohl‘s Back to School sale. This helps me stay focused and ensures I don‘t miss out on any great deals. Don‘t forget to check the Kohl‘s website and in-store flyers for specific dates and details about the sale.
Back to School Sale Statistics
According to the National Retail Federation, back-to-school spending has been steadily increasing over the years. In 2021, total back-to-school spending in the U.S. was projected to reach $37.1 billion, up from $33.9 billion in 2020. On average, families with children in elementary through high school planned to spend $848.90, while those with college students expected to spend $1,200.32.
| Category | Average Spending (2021) |
|---|---|
| Electronics | $274.44 |
| Clothing and Accessories | $253.46 |
| Shoes | $161.04 |
| School Supplies | $131.37 |
Source: National Retail Federation
These statistics highlight the importance of back-to-school sales for retailers like Kohl‘s and the potential for students and families to save money by shopping strategically during these promotional periods.
Year-Round Savings at Kohl‘s: Discounts, Rewards, and More
In addition to the Back to School sale, Kohl‘s offers several other ways for students to save throughout the year:
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Kohl‘s Cash: Earn $10 in Kohl‘s Cash for every $50 spent during promotional periods. These coupons can be used like cash on future purchases, and they‘re stackable, so you can save even more on big-ticket items. As a Kohl‘s insider, I always plan my shopping trips around Kohl‘s Cash earning periods to maximize my savings.
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Kohl‘s Card: Sign up for a Kohl‘s Card and receive 35% off your first purchase, plus an additional 15% off coupon when your card arrives in the mail. Cardholders also receive exclusive discounts and offers throughout the year, including 30%, 20%, or 15% off on select days. Plus, you can combine your Kohl‘s Card discounts with Kohl‘s Cash and other promotions for even greater savings.
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Yes2You Rewards: Join Kohl‘s loyalty program to earn 1 point for every dollar spent, receive a $5 reward for every 100 points, and get a special $10 birthday coupon during your birthday month. Yes2You Rewards members also receive exclusive offers and early access to sales throughout the year. It‘s free to join, and you can easily track your points and rewards through the Kohl‘s App or website.
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Percent-Off and Dollar-Off Discounts: Keep an eye out for these discounts, which can range from 15% to 50% off or $10 off or more, depending on the department and promotion. These discounts are often available both in-store and online and can be combined with other offers for maximum savings. For example, Kohl‘s frequently offers $10 off a $50 purchase or 20% off your entire order.
As a frequent Kohl‘s shopper, I always make sure to sign up for email alerts and follow Kohl‘s on social media to stay up-to-date on the latest sales and discounts. Combining these offers with Kohl‘s Cash and Yes2You Rewards can lead to significant savings over time.
The Impact of Student Discounts on Retail Sales and Brand Loyalty
Student discounts not only help college students save money but also play a significant role in driving retail sales and fostering brand loyalty. A study by UNiDAYS found that 93% of college students are more likely to shop with a brand that offers student discounts, and 55% said they would switch to a brand that offers a student discount over one that doesn‘t.
Furthermore, offering student discounts can lead to long-term brand loyalty. The same study found that 78% of students are more likely to continue shopping with a brand after graduating if they received student discounts during their college years.
| Impact of Student Discounts | Percentage |
|---|---|
| More likely to shop with a brand | 93% |
| Would switch to a brand with a discount | 55% |
| More likely to stay loyal after graduating | 78% |
Source: UNiDAYS
While Kohl‘s doesn‘t offer a specific student discount, its various sales and rewards programs can still attract and retain college students as loyal customers. By providing value and savings opportunities, Kohl‘s can foster long-term relationships with these young shoppers.
Tips for Students to Maximize Savings at Kohl‘s
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Plan your shopping trips around Kohl‘s Cash earning periods to maximize your savings. Keep track of when these promotions are happening, and make a list of the items you need to purchase during those times.
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Use the Kohl‘s App to store your coupons and rewards in one place and receive exclusive offers. The app also allows you to scan items in-store to check prices and read reviews, making it easier to compare products and find the best deals.
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Check the clearance section both in-store and online for deeply discounted items. Kohl‘s frequently offers an additional 20-50% off clearance prices, which can lead to significant savings on clothing, shoes, and home goods.
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Take advantage of free in-store pickup to save on shipping costs and apply coupons or discounts that may not be available online. This is also a great option if you need an item quickly and don‘t want to wait for shipping.
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Sign up for the Kohl‘s email list to receive a 15% off coupon for your next purchase. You‘ll also be among the first to know about upcoming sales, promotions, and exclusive offers.
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Follow Kohl‘s on social media for additional coupons, discounts, and sale announcements. Kohl‘s frequently posts special promo codes and flash sales on their Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages.
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Use a cashback credit card in combination with Kohl‘s discounts and rewards to earn even more savings on your purchases. Some credit cards offer up to 5% cashback on department store purchases, which can add up quickly when combined with Kohl‘s sales and promotions.
Kohl‘s Commitment to Education and Philanthropy
In addition to offering savings opportunities for students, Kohl‘s has a long-standing commitment to supporting education and giving back to local communities. Since 2000, Kohl‘s has donated over $125 million to support education initiatives nationwide through its Kohl‘s Cares program.
Kohl‘s Cares grants fund programs and organizations that promote children‘s health and education, such as youth sports leagues, after-school programs, and literacy initiatives. By shopping at Kohl‘s, students can feel good knowing that a portion of their purchase supports these important causes.
Moreover, Kohl‘s Associates in Action program encourages employees to volunteer their time and talents to make a difference in their local communities. In 2019 alone, Kohl‘s associates volunteered over 500,000 hours and supported more than 8,500 organizations across the country.
How Does Kohl‘s Compare to Other Retailers?
While Kohl‘s doesn‘t offer a specific student discount, their sales and rewards programs are competitive with other major retailers. Here‘s a quick comparison:
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Target: Offers a year-round 10% student discount on select items with a valid student ID.
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Walmart: No specific student discount, but offers competitive prices and a price-match policy.
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Macy‘s: Provides a 15% student discount on select items with a valid student ID.
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Amazon Prime Student: Offers a 6-month free trial and 50% off Prime membership for college students, which includes free shipping, exclusive deals, and access to Prime Video and Music.
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J.Crew: Offers a 15% student discount on full-price items with a valid student ID.
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Bed Bath & Beyond: Provides a 20% off coupon for college students who sign up for the College Savings Pass.
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Best Buy: Offers exclusive student deals and discounts on laptops, tablets, and other electronics through its Student Deals program.
As you can see, each retailer has its own approach to student discounts and savings. It‘s worth exploring multiple options to find the best deals for your specific needs.
Customer Reviews and Testimonials
Don‘t just take my word for it – here‘s what other students and savvy shoppers have to say about their experiences saving money at Kohl‘s:
"I always shop at Kohl‘s during the Back to School sale. I can get everything I need for my kids, from clothes to backpacks to school supplies, at great prices. Plus, I earn Kohl‘s Cash to use on future purchases, which helps me save even more." – Jennifer, mom of three
"As a college student on a tight budget, I appreciate all the ways Kohl‘s helps me save money. Between the Yes2You Rewards program, Kohl‘s Cash, and the constant sales and discounts, I can always find great deals on the things I need." – Mike, college sophomore
"I love using my Kohl‘s Card to stack discounts and maximize my savings. Combining the card discounts with Kohl‘s Cash and percent-off coupons has saved me hundreds of dollars over the years." – Sarah, savvy shopper
These testimonials demonstrate the real-world value of Kohl‘s savings opportunities and how they can make a difference for students and families on a budget.
The Future of Student Discounts and Kohl‘s Competitive Edge
As the retail landscape continues to evolve, it‘s essential for companies like Kohl‘s to adapt and find new ways to attract and retain customers, particularly younger generations like college students. While Kohl‘s doesn‘t currently offer a specific student discount, there are several ways the company could stay competitive in the future:
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Partnering with student discount platforms: Kohl‘s could collaborate with popular student discount platforms like UNiDAYS or Student Beans to offer exclusive discounts and promotions to college students.
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Expanding rewards programs: Kohl‘s could create a loyalty program specifically for college students, offering bonus points, exclusive sales, and personalized recommendations based on their shopping habits and preferences.
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Investing in mobile and social media marketing: As younger generations increasingly rely on their smartphones and social media for shopping and brand engagement, Kohl‘s could focus on creating mobile-friendly experiences and targeted social media campaigns to reach college students.
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Collaborating with colleges and universities: Kohl‘s could partner with schools to offer special discounts or promotions for students, faculty, and staff, or sponsor campus events and initiatives to build brand awareness and loyalty among college communities.
By staying attuned to the evolving needs and preferences of college students and adapting its strategies accordingly, Kohl‘s can maintain a competitive edge in the retail market and continue to provide value to this important customer segment.
Conclusion
Although Kohl‘s doesn‘t have a dedicated student discount, the retailer offers numerous ways for students to save on clothing, school supplies, and dorm essentials. By taking advantage of the annual Back to School sale, Kohl‘s Cash, Yes2You Rewards, and other promotions, students can stretch their budgets further and make the most of their shopping experience at Kohl‘s.
Remember to stay informed about current sales, combine discounts when possible, and compare prices with other retailers to ensure you‘re getting the best deal. With a little planning and savvy shopping strategies, college students can save big at Kohl‘s and build long-term brand loyalty that lasts well beyond their school years.
As a retail expert and savvy shopper, I‘m confident that Kohl‘s will continue to adapt and innovate to meet the changing needs of college students and provide even more value and savings opportunities in the years to come. Happy shopping!
