9 Secrets Kohl's Doesn't Want You to Know
Retail experts reveal tricks of the trade and what employees won't tell you.
We all have our dirty little secrets and maybe even a skeleton in the closet. Big-name retailers are no different, including those that have withstood the test of time. Kohl's is one of these stores, which you might frequent regularly or just when you need some retail therapy. If you're a loyal customer, you probably have the lowdown on Kohl's Cash and the ins and outs of company policies—but what else are you missing? We consulted retail experts to get their insights on shopping at Kohl's, including the secrets that the retailer doesn't want you to know. Read on to find out the nine tricks Kohl's is keeping up its sleeves.
READ THIS NEXT: 6 Warnings to Shoppers From Ex-Kohl's Employees.
1
You should use the WiFi.
When you head into a Kohl's store, it might not be your first instinct to connect to the WiFi. But before you start browsing, consider taking advantage of the store's internet connection, Elisa Bender, co-founder of RevenueGeeks, suggests.
"Have you heard of getting money for using the internet? Well, use Kohl's free WiFi and get coupons," Bender says. "This is one secret they don't want customers to know, but now it's out in the open."
If that isn't reason enough, you can save some of that precious cellphone data, especially if you're part of a shared family plan.
2
You don't need to have coupons on you.
If you're an avid shopper, odds are you've got a stockpile of coupons from different retailers at home—but if you forget your Kohl's coupons while you're shopping in-store, you're not totally out of luck.
According to an ex-employee, who uses the TikTok handle @hannahruthjones, you don't need to have coupons with you—you can ask store associates to scan them for you.
"If they don't scan it for you, or help you find it on your phone or the app, then you can call a manager and they will put it in for you," the TikToker says.
READ THIS NEXT: Walmart and Target Have a Secret Hiding Spot for Clearance Items.
3
Expiration dates aren't as strict as they seem.
Kohl's Cash is a great way to save money, but if you've got coupons that are expired, don't toss them just yet.
"I was once checking out at my local Kohl's store and noticed that based on the date printed on my Kohl's Cash, it had expired," Steven Frankel, clothing deal finder at Dealperx, explains. "The cashier explained to me that Kohl's Cash actually has a 10-day grace period after it expires, and they accepted it!"
However, according to Julie Ramhold, a consumer analyst with DealNews, the grace period might be a bit shorter.
"According to some, if your Kohl's Cash is green, you should be able to use it within 7-10 days after it's expired (I've seen both reported)," Ramhold tells Best Life. "However, not all associates may know this—and it's possible the policy could change without warning."
Ramhold recommends calling the company to place your order and see if they'll honor your expired Kohl's cash.
4
Kohl's Cash doesn't apply to some coveted products.
Kohl's has plans to open Sephora shops inside all 1,165 Kohl's stores nationwide—and 250 new shops are opening just this year. But if you were saving up and hoping to put your Kohl's Cash toward a makeup haul, you're out of luck.
According to Sephora's website, these coupons are not valid on Sephora at Kohl's purchases. Ramhold emphasizes the need to "read the fine print," adding that toys, in addition to beauty products, are generally excluded.
"Be sure that before you start planning your in-store or online shopping trip that you note which categories you're planning to shop and any exclusions that may apply so you avoid disappointment (and sticker shock) during checkout," she says.
READ THIS NEXT: 5 Warnings to Shoppers From Ex-Amazon Warehouse Workers.
5
Stores should price-match.
If you spot something that's listed for a lower price online than it is in-store, don't be afraid to ask for a price match, Ramhold says.
"Just be prepared to show the product live online on your phone [as opposed to an image you previously took via screenshot] and be prepared for any restrictions they may try to place on it—for instance, you should be buying the exact same model number in the same color or the same item in the same size and color," she says.
Kohl's might not be inclined to honor the price if there are differences between the products, Ramhold says, which is why you'll want to have your ducks in a row when you get to checkout.
Bender recommends opening the Kohl's app when shopping in-store, as the barcode scanner lets you check prices.
6
You don't have to shell out for shipping.
If you need to place an order online, you can skip the shipping fee by having the order sent to your local store.
"Sure, the minimum for free shipping is $49, which probably isn't hard to hit in many cases, but if you live close enough to a store that picking up is convenient, why not take advantage of that?" Ramhold says, adding that this is particularly beneficial if you're just ordering a few small items.
"If you're worried about your budget, just be sure to avoid impulse purchases when you go in," she adds. "Undoubtedly this is what Kohl's is hoping for, but you don't have to give in to the temptation!"
READ THIS NEXT: 8 Secrets Jo-Ann Fabrics Doesn't Want You to Know.
7
Wednesdays are ideal for a certain group of people.
While it's not widely advertised, Kohl's does offer a senior discount. The 15-percent discount is applied to your entire order, but it can only be used when shopping in-store on Wednesdays.
If you aren't aware, Kohl's also offers a 15 percent discount for members of the military on Mondays.
8
You can save even more via rebate offers.
Why shell out more than you have to for those must-have items at Kohl's? You may be entitled to money back via active mail-in rebates.
"Before you complete a purchase, check the current rebate offers on Kohl's website to see if there are any extra savings you can take advantage of," Ramhold recommends. "These can cover a number of different products, including things like electronics, but also cookware, personal care items like water flossers, and more."
Ramhold adds, "Whatever you're planning to purchase, it's always worth checking out the rebate section of the website before checking out to make sure you're not leaving savings on the table."
For more shopping advice delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.
9
You can make a return without a receipt.
Whenever you purchase something and change your mind, it's easier to have a receipt to save time and effort when you go to the store. However, at Kohl's, you can actually make a return sans receipt, according to a TikTok video posted by @joincheckmate. According to the TikToker, a Kohl's associate should be able to look up your receipt easily via your rewards. You also have a significant amount of time to bring your return back—roughly six months!
Kohl's confirms these claims on its website, noting that employees can look up your purchase in the system via your online order number, your Kohl's Rewards membership, or a credit card tender lookup. You can also look up your receipt via Kohl's Self Return system, which is available at select locations.
In the event your receipt can't be located, you can still return an item as a "non-receipted return" in exchange for a Kohl's store credit. However, be warned that without a receipt, your credit will be based on the lowest discounted sale price, per Kohl's website.
The 180-day return policy applies to "most returns," excluding premium electronics and watches, which have to be brought back within 30 days, and beauty purchases (including those from Sephora), which must be returned within 60 days.
