Additional Coverage:
- 10 Reasons People No Longer Love Kohls (financebuzz.com)
Why Shoppers Are Saying “See Ya Later” to Kohl’s
Kohl’s, once a beloved staple for family shopping trips and a go-to for household essentials, appears to be losing its luster. Despite the warm nostalgia many hold for the department store, shoppers simply aren’t flocking to its aisles like they used to.
The decline of traditional department stores is a trend seen across the retail landscape, driven by shifting consumer habits, the relentless rise of online shopping, and economic uncertainties impacting household budgets. Amidst these broader challenges, Kohl’s has also grappled with what many describe as chaotic leadership, experiencing a revolving door of CEOs.
While bankruptcy hasn’t been declared yet, a significant drop in public opinion and consumer spending could very well push the retailer to that brink. So, why are shoppers falling out of love with Kohl’s? Let’s dive into some of the key reasons.
1. Online Shopping Reigns Supreme
Sure, the idea of a leisurely trip to Kohl’s might sound appealing in theory, but in practice, getting up and heading to a physical store feels like a lot of effort when a few clicks can deliver almost anything to your doorstep. Kohl’s attempted to bridge this gap by partnering with Amazon for returns, but this hasn’t necessarily translated into an influx of shoppers making purchases.
2. “Treasure Hunting” Has Lost Its Appeal
Kohl’s often employs a “racetrack” layout, reminiscent of discount stores, encouraging customers to browse every department for deals. However, in today’s economic climate, with tighter budgets, shoppers are less inclined to spend their time “treasure hunting.” They’re looking for efficiency and focused shopping for needed items, not a scavenger hunt.
3. Coupon Chaos
Kohl’s is famous for its coupon deals, but many shoppers are simply exhausted by what they perceive as disingenuous pricing. Customers are craving straightforward pricing that doesn’t involve deciphering reward points, stacking multiple coupons, or playing scratch-off games at the checkout. Checking out shouldn’t feel like a game show, especially as families tighten their belts to cope with rising prices on necessities.
4. Fashion Faux Pas
Kohl’s wardrobe options often face criticism for being outdated and lacking vibrancy. As one Reddit user succinctly put it, “Every time I walk by the ‘spring’ dresses, I’m hating how dark and drab most of them are.”
5. Prices That Don’t Add Up
Kohl’s initially rose to prominence as a more affordable alternative to department stores like Macy’s and JCPenney. However, even with gift cards and coupons, many shoppers now find the prices too high. This might be justifiable if the quality of craftsmanship remained high, but department stores are increasingly offering the same low-quality products that can be found cheaper elsewhere.
6. Understocked and Out of Season
While a little crossover time for seasonal apparel is expected, Kohl’s seems to be taking it to an extreme. Combined with unusually bare shelves, the store can appear as if it’s struggling to keep its stock up to date. To make matters worse, the prices on out-of-season items often aren’t dropping enough to entice shoppers looking for a bargain for the following year.
7. Messy Aisles and Disarray
Let’s be honest: if we wanted to wade through piles of mismatched, unfolded clothes and disorganized shelves, we’d probably just stay home. Hunting for what you need can be frustrating enough in a clean and orderly store, but it’s even more off-putting when the store looks like a small tornado recently paid a visit. This disarray is likely a side effect of Kohl’s downsizing and layoffs aimed at improving its bottom line.
8. Unlabeled Pricing Headaches
One of the quickest ways to frustrate shoppers is to make it difficult to find out how much something costs. Kohl’s digital pricing signs are often reported as non-functional, forcing customers to hunt for a scanner or download yet another store app – a particular point of frustration for those already overwhelmed by the sheer number of retail apps.
9. Return Policy Puzzles
Kohl’s touts its “great” return policy, claiming it’s easy even without a receipt. However, in practice, many customers report that the department store frequently fails to adhere to its own stated policies. This issue is so prevalent that numerous complaints have been lodged with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
10. Online Orders Gone Missing
Kohl’s appears to be lagging in the online retail game. Customers frequently complain that their online orders never arrive.
This frustration is compounded by poor customer service, which often advises them to simply “wait longer” without offering a solution. Along with return issues, this is one of the most common complaints the BBB receives about the department store.
The Bottom Line
While Kohl’s leaves behind a nostalgic legacy, it’s no longer the savings powerhouse for family shopping it once was. Savvy shoppers looking to stretch their dollars are increasingly turning to online retailers or stores like Target and Walmart to meet their household needs.
Tighter budgets also mean more people are comparing prices, a task made challenging by Kohl’s complex pricing structure, heavily reliant on coupons and rewards programs.
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