Forget shippings labels and packing tape: Returning items to Amazon just got cheaper and easier.
Kohl’s announced Tuesday it will began packing and shipping select Amazon return items for free in October.
.@Kohls Announces Amazon Returns at Select Kohl's Stores. Read More: https://t.co/xbdEE8X36z
— Kohl's News (@KohlsNews) September 19, 2017
Items can be returned regardless of the reason or whether items are packaged for shipping, according to a press release. The press release did not say if there was a time limit on how long items are eligible for return.
“This is a great example of how Kohl’s and Amazon are leveraging each other’s strengths—the power of Kohl’s store portfolio combined with the power of Amazon’s reach and loyal customer base,” said Chief Administrative Officer Richard Schepp in the press release. As an additional perk, special parking will be reserved near front entrances for quick and easy returns.
Kohl’s and Amazon entered into a partnership in early September after the retailer announced it would sell Amazon devices like the Echo at 10 select stores in Los Angeles and Chicago.
These same locations will be included in the 82 Los Angeles and Chicago stores to house new Amazon return centers. The return centers will be at the front of the store so Amazon shoppers don’t have to wait in long lines with Kohl’s customers making purchases. Amazon launched a similar service at Whole Foods, where shoppers can return Amazon purchases at the grocer’s various 400 locations according to CNBC.
“Amazon Returns at Kohl’s creates a convenient location for Amazon customers to return eligible merchandise,” said Shivi Shankaran, Director of Worldwide Customer Returns at Amazon, in the press release.
Corporate leaders hope this will increase foot traffic and lead to more purchases at locations housing this service by drawing in shoppers from Amazon’s massive consumer base. The e-commerce giant reportedly had over 304 million active customer accounts in 2015, according to Statista.
Kohl’s hasn’t said if or when this service will expand its other department stores.
H/T Reuters