Kohl’s pauses Amazon returns at select locations amidst sales drop

Kohl’s pauses Amazon returns at select locations amidst sales drop

  • 20.03.2025 16:53
  • msn.com
  • Keywords: Men's March Madness First Four winners, losers: UNC, West Virginia lead list, Kohl’s pauses Amazon returns at select locations amidst sales drop

Kohl's has paused its Amazon returns program at select stores as part of an internal test, despite the service boosting foot traffic but not sales. This move aligns with broader restructuring efforts to improve financial performance.

Men's March Madness First Four winners include North Carolina and Xavier, while losers include West Virginia, which was snubbed by the selection committee despite a strong record, and Texas coach Rodney Terry, whose team's loss adds pressure to his position.

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Estimated market influence

Kohl's

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Analyst rating: N/A

Kohl's has paused its Amazon returns program in certain stores as part of an internal test. This move follows a period where the service increased foot traffic but didn't significantly boost sales. The company is also undergoing broader restructuring, including store closures.

Amazon

Amazon

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Analyst rating: Strong buy

Amazon's partnership with Kohl's has been paused in select locations. While this impacts Amazon's ability to utilize Kohl's network for returns, the broader financial impact on Amazon is not detailed here.

Context

Kohl’s Pauses Amazon Returns at Select Locations Amidst Sales Drop

  • Programme Pause: Kohl's has temporarily halted its Amazon returns programme in select stores (Leominster, MA; Eau Claire, WI; Washington, MO) as part of an internal test.
  • Initiative Timeline: The decision was communicated to employees one month before its start on 17 March 2025.
  • Associate Feedback: Store associates have predominantly expressed positive sentiment about the change.
  • Website Update: As of 19 March, Kohl's had not updated its website to reflect the changes.
  • Programme Impact: The Amazon returns service increased foot traffic but did not significantly boost sales for Kohl's in 2024.
  • Broader Restructuring: This operational change aligns with Kohl's broader restructuring efforts, including the closure of 27 underperforming stores by April 2025.
  • Financial Performance: Kohl’s reported $16.38bn in revenue for fiscal 2024, down from $16.58bn in the previous year.

Men's March Madness First Four Winners and Losers

Winners

  • North Carolina and Xavier: Both teams advanced to the main bracket after winning their play-in games.
  • Dunk Enthusiasts: The game featured rim-rattling jams and inside-out plays, making it a treat for basketball fans.
  • Bubba Cunningham (UNC Athletic Director): Secured an $75k+ bonus for UNC's NCAA selection.

Losers

  • Rodney Terry (Texas Coach): Texas' loss to Xavier and blown halftime lead added pressure to his hot seat.
  • St. Francis and American: Lost their First Four games, ending their tournament hopes.
  • San Diego State: Poor performance against North Carolina highlighted their struggles.
  • West Virginia: Omitted from the bracket despite a strong season; also facing political criticism and coaching changes.

Key Takeaways

  • Kohl's strategic pause of Amazon returns reflects its focus on optimizing store traffic and sales, amid broader restructuring efforts to improve financial performance.
  • Men's March Madness saw predictable upsets and surprises, with lower-seeded teams like North Carolina and Xavier emerging as potential dark horses.