As an expert in the retail industry with over a decade of experience analyzing consumer behavior, I‘ve seen the tremendous impact that price matching policies have had on the way people shop. With the rise of e-commerce giants like Amazon putting pressure on traditional brick-and-mortar retailers, price matching has become an essential strategy for stores looking to remain competitive.
One retailer that has embraced price matching in a big way is Kohl‘s. As a go-to destination for bargain hunters, Kohl‘s has long been known for their sales, promotions, and generous rewards programs. But many shoppers are still unsure about Kohl‘s stance on price matching, especially when it comes to Amazon. In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll break down everything you need to know about Kohl‘s price matching policy, with a focus on how it compares to Amazon and other major competitors.
Understanding Kohl‘s Price Matching Policy
Let‘s start with the basics: Kohl‘s does offer price matching on identical items found at select competitors, both in-store and online. This means if you find the same item for a lower price elsewhere, Kohl‘s will match that price at the point of purchase. However, there are some important restrictions to keep in mind.
According to Kohl‘s official policy, they will only price match identical items (same brand, size, color, model number, etc.) that are currently in-stock and available for immediate sale at the competitor‘s store or website. They also exclude certain types of deals, including:
- Clearance and closeout prices
- Buy one get one free offers
- Rebates and mail-in offers
- Coupons, including competitor coupons
- Limited time or limited quantity promotions
It‘s also important to note that Kohl‘s only allows price matching on one identical item per product per customer. So if you‘re buying multiples of the same item, only one will be eligible for a price match.
How to Request a Price Match at Kohl‘s
Requesting a price match at Kohl‘s is a fairly straightforward process, but it does differ slightly depending on whether you‘re shopping in-store or online. Here‘s a step-by-step breakdown:
In-Store Price Matching
To price match in a physical Kohl‘s store, simply bring proof of the lower price to the register at the time of purchase. Acceptable forms of proof include:
- A printed page or digital photo of the competitor‘s website showing the item and current price
- A screenshot of the item and price in the competitor‘s app
- The weekly print ad for a local competitor showing the item and price
A Kohl‘s associate will then verify the lower price and competitor‘s availability. If approved, they will apply the price match and you‘ll pay the lower price at checkout.
Online Price Matching
To get a price match for an online purchase at Kohls.com, the process is a bit different. Before placing your order, you‘ll need to contact Kohl‘s Customer Service and provide:
- The URL of the competitor‘s website with the current lower price
- Details about the identical item you want to price match, including UPC or item number
You can reach Kohl‘s Customer Service through online chat or by phone at 1-855-564-5705. If the price match is approved, the representative will provide instructions on placing your order at the matched price.
It‘s worth noting that price matched items are still eligible for standard shipping promotions and Kohl‘s Cash earnings. However, the price match itself won‘t earn additional rewards.
Kohl‘s Price Matching Policy for Amazon
Now let‘s get to the question at hand: does Kohl‘s price match Amazon? The short answer is yes, but the devil is in the details.
Kohl‘s considers Amazon an eligible competitor for price matching, but with some very specific criteria. To qualify for a price match, the item must be:
- Identical in brand name, size, weight, color, model number, and quantity
- Sold and fulfilled directly by Amazon (not a third-party marketplace seller)
- In-stock and available to ship immediately
Kohl‘s also excludes several types of Amazon offers from price matching:
- Items sold through Prime Exclusive offers or Prime member pricing
- Lightning Deals, Deal of the Day offers, or other limited time promotions
- Offers that require a minimum quantity or bundled purchase
- Items sold by specialty departments within Amazon, like AmazonFresh
So while Kohl‘s does price match Amazon in theory, the restrictions mean that many of Amazon‘s most competitive deals won‘t actually qualify. It‘s also important to remember that price matching doesn‘t include any shipping costs, so you‘ll want to factor that in when comparing total prices between the two retailers.
Comparison of Kohl‘s Price Matching to Other Major Retailers
To put Kohl‘s price matching policy into perspective, let‘s take a look at how it stacks up against some of their biggest competitors. Here‘s a quick breakdown:
| Retailer | Price Matches Amazon? | Exclusions | Adjustment Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kohl‘s | Yes (direct Amazon only) | Clearance, BOGO, rebates, coupons, limited time offers | 14 days |
| Target | Yes | Clearance, closeouts, Target Circle offers, Target gift cards | 14 days |
| Bed Bath & Beyond | Yes (direct Amazon only) | Marketplace sellers, special event pricing | 14 days |
| Best Buy | Yes (direct and marketplace w/ immediate shipping) | Contract cell phones, major appliances, special event pricing | 15 days (extended holiday return period) |
| Lowe‘s | Online only | Assembly/installation services, clearance, closeouts | 30 days |
As you can see, Kohl‘s policy is fairly in line with other major retailers in terms of Amazon price matching and adjustment windows. However, some competitors like Target have a slight edge when it comes to including Amazon marketplace sellers, while others like Best Buy and Lowe‘s offer longer post-purchase price protection.
Impact of Price Matching on Consumer Behavior
As a retail industry analyst, I‘m fascinated by the psychological impact that price matching policies have on shoppers. Studies have shown that the mere presence of a price match guarantee makes consumers perceive a retailer‘s prices as being lower and more competitive overall, even if they don‘t actually take advantage of the policy.
Price matching also plays into the concept of loss aversion, or the tendency to strongly prefer avoiding losses over acquiring gains. The idea of "missing out" on a better price elsewhere is a powerful motivator for many shoppers to seek out price matching opportunities. According to a 2020 study by the National Retail Federation, 68% of consumers said they have made a purchase from a retailer specifically because they offered a price match policy.
However, price matching is not without its downsides for consumers. Constantly comparing prices and chasing the lowest cost can be time-consuming and stressful. It may also lead shoppers to purchase items they don‘t really need simply because they perceive it as a "good deal." As with any money-saving strategy, the key is to use price matching judiciously and in service of your overall financial goals.
The Future of Price Matching in the Retail Industry
Looking ahead, it‘s clear that price matching will continue to play a significant role in the retail landscape. As e-commerce continues to grow and Amazon maintains its dominance, traditional retailers will need to find ways to stay competitive on price while still preserving their margins.
Some industry experts predict that we may see more retailers moving towards "price matching plus" policies, like Bed Bath & Beyond‘s current offer to match Amazon prices plus an additional 20% off. Others speculate that retailers may start to focus more on exclusive products, store brands, and personalized shopping experiences that Amazon can‘t replicate.
It‘s also worth noting that price matching isn‘t the only way to compete with Amazon. Retailers are increasingly investing in omnichannel capabilities, like buy online pick up in store and curbside delivery, to offer the same level of speed and convenience. Many are also doubling down on their loyalty and rewards programs to incentivize repeat purchases and capture a greater share of consumer spending.
Tips for Making the Most of Kohl‘s Price Matching
As a savvy shopper myself, I know that price matching is just one tool in the bargain hunting toolbox. To really maximize your savings at Kohl‘s, consider these expert tips:
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Do your research ahead of time. Before heading to Kohl‘s, take a few minutes to check prices on the items you‘re interested in at Amazon and other major competitors. That way you‘ll be prepared with the necessary proof if you find a lower price to match.
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Stack coupons and rewards offers. Kohl‘s allows you to combine price matching with store coupons, rewards, and Kohl‘s Cash, which can add up to significant savings. Just be aware that the price match will be applied after any percent-off discounts.
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Know when to walk away. Just because Kohl‘s offers price matching doesn‘t necessarily mean it‘s the best deal in the long run. Don‘t forget to factor in things like shipping costs, return policies, and rewards programs when deciding where to make your purchase.
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Take advantage of post-purchase adjustments. If you buy an item at Kohl‘s and then find it for a lower price within 14 days, you can bring in your receipt and proof of the lower price for a price adjustment. This also applies to Kohl‘s own sale prices, so keep an eye out for price drops in the two weeks after you buy.
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Use price matching sparingly. While price matching can be a great way to save on specific purchases, constantly chasing the lowest price can quickly become exhausting. Use price matching strategically for bigger ticket items or purchases you were already planning to make, rather than as an excuse to buy things you don‘t really need.
Conclusion
Price matching has become a key strategy for retailers looking to compete in the age of Amazon, and Kohl‘s is no exception. By offering to match prices on identical items from Amazon and other major competitors, Kohl‘s aims to give shoppers the confidence that they‘re getting the best deal possible.
However, as with any pricing policy, there are important restrictions and exclusions to keep in mind. Kohl‘s price matching policy for Amazon is particularly narrow, with no marketplace sellers, Prime-exclusive deals, or limited time offers included. As a shopper, it‘s important to read the fine print and understand exactly what is and isn‘t eligible for price matching.
When used strategically, price matching can be a powerful tool for saving money at Kohl‘s and other retailers. By combining price matching with coupons, rewards programs, and smart shopping habits, you can maximize your savings while still enjoying the benefits of in-store retail shopping.
At the same time, it‘s important not to let the pursuit of the lowest price overshadow other important factors like product quality, customer service, and ease of returns. Price matching is just one piece of the retail puzzle, and savvy shoppers know how to use it in balance with their other purchasing priorities.
As the retail industry continues to evolve, it will be fascinating to watch how price matching policies adapt and change to keep up with consumer expectations. For now, shoppers who take the time to understand and leverage these policies stand to reap significant benefits in the form of lower prices and greater value for their hard-earned dollars.