News Summary
Kohl’s has temporarily suspended its Amazon returns service at select locations, including Leominster, Massachusetts. This decision comes amidst ongoing sales declines and a reassessment of operational strategies. Customers and employees have mixed reactions, with some viewing it as a necessary move. Kohl’s has previously partnered with Amazon to enhance customer convenience, but market challenges have prompted a significant shift in policies and store closures.
Big Changes in Leominster: Kohl’s Suspends Amazon Returns!
If you’re shopping around Leominster, Massachusetts, you might have heard some buzz about Kohl’s making a move that has shoppers raising their eyebrows. That’s right—Kohl’s has decided to temporarily suspend its Amazon returns service at some select locations, including right in our own backyard!
What’s Happening?
As of now, the stores affected by this decision include several locations, with Leominster being one of them. Other stores in Washington, Missouri, and Eau Claire, Wisconsin, are also following suit. Though this news might be a bit surprising for frequent shoppers who have relied on this convenient service, it’s part of a broader test to gather customer feedback. This kind of testing is crucial for large retailers like Kohl’s, and it seems they’re trying to tune in to what customers really want.
The Backstory
Kohl’s first partnered with Amazon back in 2017, seeing it as a chance to draw more people into their stores. It was a great idea! By 2019, almost all Kohl’s locations were accepting Amazon returns. The thought was simple — make it easier for customers to shop and return items, which in theory would increase foot traffic in their stores. However, a pattern of declining sales has brought them to a threshold where they are reassessing this strategy.
Why the Change?
Here’s the kicker: Kohl’s has been experiencing declining sales for an astounding twelve consecutive quarters! That’s no small feat. They’ve reported a sales decline of 9.4% in the fourth quarter of 2024 and 7.2% for the entire year. Projections for 2025 aren’t looking any brighter either, with additional anticipated decreases by as much as 2%. This scenario has led Kohl’s to make some tough decisions, including plans to close 27 underperforming stores by April 2025 and cut down 10% of its corporate workforce to streamline operations.
Local Updates
Locally, the Kohl’s store at 501 Technology Center Drive in Stoughton recently closed its doors in February 2025, which has led to some concerns for shoppers in the surrounding areas. Employees at other Kohl’s stores have been quick to assure customers that they are still able to process Amazon returns, at least for now.
Customer Reactions
What’s Next?
As for the impact of this change, it remains to be seen. Kohl’s website had yet to be updated to reflect the latest adjustments in their return policy at the time of reporting. However, it’s clear that Amazon is still considering Kohl’s as one of its return partners despite some stores dropping out of the program. For now, both companies are focused on finding the best approach to meet their customers’ needs.
Final Thoughts
The landscape of retail is constantly shifting, and Kohl’s decision to suspend Amazon returns at select stores serves as a reminder of the challenges that businesses face. In a world where online shopping is more popular than ever, it will be interesting to observe how Kohl’s adapts its strategies moving forward.
So next time you’re at Kohl’s, just keep in mind that the battle for your shopping dollar is on, and things may look a bit different in the coming months!
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Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
