If you overdo it on Amazon Prime Day next week, returning your unwanted items is now even easier.
Amazon and Kohl's announced this week that the companies have officially expanded their return program nationwide, allowing Amazon shoppers to return purchases to any Kohl's store across the U.S.
Menomonee Falls-based Kohl's and Amazon first piloted the return program at stores in Chicago and Los Angeles in 2017, and eventually expanded to Milwaukee in 2018. In April, the two companies announced plans to bring the service nationwide.
Kohl's began officially accepting Amazon returns at its more than 1,100 stores U.S. stories on Monday.
The partnership allows customers to return eligible Amazon items at Kohl's locations for free, without needing a box or label. Kohl’s then packages and sends the returned items back to Amazon.
It's a mutually beneficial relationship, as it creates easier returns for Amazon customers, giving shoppers more confidence to hit the "buy" button. It also cuts down on overhead for Amazon by having a third party handle its returns.
For Kohl's, it's all about foot traffic. Customers who may have otherwise not been inclined to shop at the store now have a reason to visit, and Kohl's can hit them with an in-store coupon to shop while they're there.
In fact, Amazon CEO Michelle Gass said in a statement that the nationwide rollout of the Amazon return program is the company's "single biggest initiative of the year."
"Our top strategic priority is driving traffic, and this transformational program does just that," Gass said. "It drives customers into our stores, and we are expecting millions to benefit from this service.”
It's a classic case of if you can't beat 'em, join 'em, as Kohl's opts to play nice with the e-commerce giant. The partnership has also led some experts to wonder: Could Amazon acquire Kohl's?
It's a deal that could make sense for Amazon, as it would give Amazon more brick-and-mortar real estate to help fulfill its same-day deliveries. It could also help Amazon better showcase its private label apparel and household items.
Amazon could also use Kohl's to further test its Amazon Go technology, which allows shoppers to grab items, pay and walk out without interacting with a cash register. It currently offers the tech in smaller Amazon Go convenience stores around the country.
For Kohl's, it would give the retailer backing from one of the biggest companies in the world, and additional resources to help it survive the ever-changing retail landscape.
Kohl's stock is down almost 30% in the first half of the year, and its revenue last quarter declined 2.9% year over year, to $4.087 billion.
