You’ve probably been there. You’re staring at a pile of Amazon boxes that didn’t quite work out—maybe the "extra-large" shirt fit like a medium, or that "whisper-quiet" fan sounded like a jet engine. Your first thought is usually, "I'll just swing by Kohl's." But recently, rumors have been swirling. People are seeing different options in their Amazon app, and some shoppers have even walked into their local store only to be told they can't drop off their packages there anymore.
So, let's clear the air. Does Kohl's still do Amazon returns? Basically, yes. But—and it’s a pretty big but—it isn’t as universal as it used to be. For years, the partnership was a "win-win" that felt like a permanent fixture of suburban life. Lately, though, the landscape has shifted. If you’re planning a trip to drop off that return, you might want to double-check a few things first so you don't end up hauling a heavy box across a parking lot for nothing.
The Short Answer (With a Twist)
Most Kohl's locations are still happily (or at least dutifully) accepting Amazon returns in 2026. You still get the whole "no box, no label" treatment where they do the heavy lifting for you. You walk in, they scan a QR code, they hand you a receipt, and you walk out.
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However, since early 2025, Kohl’s has been quietly "testing" the removal of this service in specific markets. Locations in places like Missouri, Massachusetts, and Wisconsin have seen the Amazon kiosks disappear or the service stop entirely.
Why? It’s a money thing. Kohl's originally thought that by letting you return your Amazon junk in their stores, you’d stick around and buy a pair of jeans or a toaster. While it definitely increased "foot traffic" (the industry term for people walking through the doors), it didn't always translate to actual sales. People were walking in with a return and walking straight back out.
How the Process Works Now
If your local store is still in the game, the process hasn't changed much, but it's gotten a bit more streamlined. Honestly, it’s still one of the easiest ways to get rid of unwanted stuff.
- Start in the Amazon App: Don't just show up. You have to go to "Your Orders," find the item, and select "Return or Replace."
- Pick the Right Option: This is where people get tripped up. If you don't see "Kohl's Dropoff" as an option, that specific store might have opted out of the program, or your item is too big/weird for them to handle.
- Get Your QR Code: Amazon will email this to you. You don't need to print it; just have it ready on your phone screen.
- The Drop-off: Look for the signs. Some stores have moved the Amazon return desk from the very back of the store to the front, right by the entrance. They want to make it faster for you—and frankly, they probably want to keep the "Amazon crowd" from clogging up the main checkout lines.
One thing to keep in mind: you don’t need to tape the box shut. In fact, many times they prefer you don't, so they can verify the item is actually in there before they ship it off.
The "Kohl's Coupon" Situation
One of the biggest perks used to be that 25% off coupon they’d hand you after your return. It was like a little reward for being a consumer.
These days, the coupons are still a thing, but they've gotten a bit... picky. I’ve noticed the discounts vary. Sometimes it’s 15%, sometimes 25%, and occasionally it’s just $5 in "Kohl’s Cash." Also, the list of brands you can't use the coupon on has grown. Don't expect to use that Amazon return discount on Nike, Levi’s, or anything in the Sephora section. It’s mostly valid on Kohl’s "private labels" like Sonoma or Croft & Barrow.
Why Some Stores Are Saying "No Thanks"
It’s worth looking at why this partnership is feeling the strain. Managing thousands of Amazon returns a week is a logistical nightmare for store employees. It requires dedicated floor space, extra staff to man the counters, and a lot of behind-the-scenes labor to palletize those returns for shipment back to Amazon's warehouses.
If a store is already struggling with staffing, the Amazon return desk is often the first thing that becomes a headache. Some managers have reported that the "Amazon customers" were actually frustrating their "regular customers" by creating long lines and taking up all the good parking spots.
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If Kohl's Isn't an Option, What Then?
If you open your app and Kohl's is missing from the list, don't panic. Amazon has been aggressively expanding other "label-free" options to fill the gaps.
- Staples: This has become a huge alternative. Most Staples locations now offer the same "no box, no label" service.
- Whole Foods: Since Amazon owns them, this is usually a seamless experience, though you often have to use a self-service kiosk.
- The UPS Store: Still the old reliable, though they sometimes charge a fee if you don't have the item boxed up already.
- DoorDash: Weirdly enough, you can now sometimes pay a small fee to have a Dasher come to your house and pick up your returns for you.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Return
To avoid a wasted trip, here is how you should handle your next Amazon return:
- Check the app before you leave the house. If "Kohl's" isn't listed as a return method for that specific item, don't go there. They cannot "force" a return into their system if Amazon didn't authorize it for that location.
- Screenshot your QR code. Store Wi-Fi can be spotty, and there’s nothing worse than standing at the front of the line while your phone tries to load a webpage.
- Bring the original packaging if you have it. Even though it's "label-free," having the original bag or box makes the employee's life way easier and ensures the item doesn't get damaged in the big bin.
- Check the expiration on the coupon. If you actually plan on using that discount they give you, use it that day. Most of them expire within seven days and are only valid for in-store purchases.
The bottom line is that Kohl's still does Amazon returns in most of the country, but the "honeymoon phase" of the partnership is over. It's now a store-by-store decision based on whether the foot traffic is actually worth the cost of the labor. Check your app, verify your local store's status, and you'll be in and out in five minutes.