Kohl's stores in suburbs among first to get Amazon returns service
Kohl's today started handling returns of merchandise bought on Amazon at 10 of what will soon be 82 of its stores in Los Angeles and Chicago. Stores in Elmhurst and Tinley Park are included in the initial launch.
In addition to offering the free returns, these stores are also debuting the first Amazon smart home boutiques within Kohl's stores. Announced last month, the shops are staffed by Amazon employees, carve out 1,000 square feet of space in Kohl's stores and are designated for Amazon products including the Amazon Echo, Echo Dot, Amazon Fire TV, Fire tablets and more.
"The new store-within-a-store concept is an example of how Kohl's is taking a unique approach to drive traffic and is innovating to deliver a one-of-a-kind shopping experience that really stands out for our customers," the company said in a statement.
Other area Kohl's stores that launched the initial partnership with Amazon are in Chicago Ridge, Norridge, on North Elston Avenue in Chicago and in Highland, Indiana.
There are designated parking spots near the Kohl's store entrances for those doing Amazon returns. While the service will allow Kohl's customers to skip their local post office for Amazon returns, it also gets them into Kohl's stores - where they might then shop.