As a longtime Kohl‘s customer and self-proclaimed shopping expert, I‘ve learned to navigate the ins and outs of the store‘s generous return policy. In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll share my insider knowledge on how to get the most out of Kohl‘s clothing returns, whether you‘re bringing back a tagless sweater or a clearance rack find. Plus, I‘ll delve into the broader implications of liberal retail return policies and how they impact consumers, businesses, and the environment.
The Basics of Kohl‘s Clothing Return Policy
Let‘s start with the fundamentals. Kohl‘s allows customers to return most clothing items within 180 days of purchase, no questions asked. This is one of the longest return windows in the retail industry, giving shoppers ample time to decide if their purchase is really working for them. In comparison, competitors like Target and Walmart typically limit returns to 90 days or less.
Clothes can be returned either in-store or by mail, which offers flexibility for online shoppers. If you have your original receipt or the credit card used for the purchase, you‘ll receive a full refund to your payment method. Without a receipt, Kohl‘s will look up your purchase history using your Kohl‘s Charge card, third party credit card, or a valid photo ID. If no record is found, you‘ll still get store credit equal to the item‘s lowest recent selling price.
Returning Clothes Without Tags
One of the most common questions I hear from fellow shoppers is, "Can I return clothes to Kohl‘s if I took the tags off?" The answer is a resounding yes! Kohl‘s will accept tagless returns within the 180 day window, even if you‘ve already worn or washed the item. This sets Kohl‘s apart from more restrictive policies that require clothing to be in pristine condition with all original tags attached.
The tagless return process is relatively simple. Kohl‘s will first attempt to look up your original purchase in their system. If located, you‘ll get a refund to your original form of payment. If no record is found, you can still return the item for store credit at the lowest selling price in the past 13 weeks.
While Kohl‘s doesn‘t require tags for returns, I always advise keeping them on and the item in new condition when possible. This ensures the smoothest return experience and the maximum refund value.
Digging into the Data on Clothing Returns
Now that we‘ve covered the basics of Kohl‘s policy, let‘s take a look at the bigger picture of clothing returns in the retail industry. The numbers show that returns are a major part of the shopping experience for American consumers:
- Around 62% of shoppers have returned a clothing item in the past year, according to a survey by Coresight Research
- The National Retail Federation estimates that $428 billion in merchandise was returned to retailers in 2020
- Clothing and accessories have one of the highest return rates of any product category, with some estimates as high as 40% for online purchases
So what drives all these clothing returns? Based on a Narvar consumer report, the top reasons include:
| Reason for Return | Percentage of Shoppers |
|---|---|
| Fit issues | 43% |
| Style or color preferences | 29% |
| Item not as described | 22% |
| Arrived damaged | 20% |
| Bought multiple sizes | 16% |
| Changed my mind | 12% |
As we can see, bracketing (buying multiple sizes with the intent to return some) and intentional returns are relatively common consumer behaviors. Liberal policies like Kohl‘s make it easy for shoppers to buy with confidence, knowing they can bring back items that don‘t work out.
The Cost of Customer-Friendly Returns
Of course, there are downsides to allowing such lenient clothing returns. Processing returns can be expensive for retailers, as it involves added labor, logistics, and losses on merchandise that can‘t be resold. According to a Gartner survey, returns cost retailers an average 8.1% of their total sales.
These costs are often passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices or more restrictive policies over time. When stores see a high volume of returns, especially items without tags that require markdowns, they may scale back their offerings to account for the losses.
There‘s also a human impact to consider. Retail workers often bear the brunt of processing returns, dealing with long lines, frustrated customers, and potential fraud attempts. During busy periods like post-holiday, returns can account for up to 20-30% of a store associate‘s time. Clothing returns can be especially unpleasant, as workers must determine if the item has been worn, damaged, or comes from their store at all.
Beyond the financial and labor costs, clothing returns also take an environmental toll. Around 5 billion pounds of returned goods end up in landfills each year, with clothing as a major component. Giving consumers a "free pass" to buy and return clothes feeds into a throwaway fashion culture and generates unnecessary waste.
As I see it, Kohl‘s does a fair job balancing customer-centric policies with responsible retail practices. Unlike some stores, they don‘t allow totally unrestricted returns on clothing that‘s been heavily worn or used. The 180 day window is generous but not indefinite. And by offering Kohl‘s Cash and other incentives to shop, they encourage customers to make exchanges rather than outright returns.
Tips to Maximize Your Kohl‘s Returns
As a strategic shopper, I know how to leverage Kohl‘s policies to stretch my budget without causing undue strain on store workers or resources. If you‘re looking to make the most of your return privileges, consider these pro tips:
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Keep your receipts and original packaging when possible to ensure a full refund. If you don‘t have a receipt, bring the credit card used and a valid photo ID.
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For online purchases, refer to your order history and bring the packing slip to the store for a speedy return. You can also return by mail using the prepaid shipping label.
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To avoid return regret, consider exchanging instead of getting a refund. Kohl‘s has a wide selection to shop in-store and online, so you‘re likely to find a suitable replacement for the item you‘re returning.
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Take advantage of Kohl‘s Cash and Yes2You rewards earned on a purchase before making your return. These incentives expire quickly, so it pays to have a plan for using them.
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If you see a recently-purchased item go on sale, you can return and rebuy it at the lower price. Kohl‘s price match policy honors competitor pricing as well, so do your research.
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Be mindful of how your returns impact retail workers and the environment. Don‘t abuse the policy by treating Kohl‘s as a clothing rental service or bringing back very old, worn items. A little thoughtfulness goes a long way!
By being a savvy and responsible shopper, you can enjoy the benefits of Kohl‘s clothing return policy without taking unfair advantage. Use your consumer power wisely and everyone wins.
The Bottom Line
Kohl‘s flexible clothing return policy is a major perk for shoppers like myself who want the freedom to bring back items that don‘t meet expectations. The store‘s willingness to accept returns without tags or a receipt sets them apart from competitors and demonstrates a commitment to customer satisfaction.
However, it‘s important to understand the wider implications of such policies on retail workers, businesses, and the planet. As consumers, we have a responsibility to use return privileges judiciously and avoid waste. By being mindful of our impact, we can work with retailers like Kohl‘s to create a more sustainable and mutually beneficial shopping experience.
I hope this in-depth guide has given you a better understanding of Kohl‘s clothing return policy and how to navigate it like a pro. Happy shopping, and may your returns be few and far between!
