Chances are, if you're not a Kohl's fan, you know someone who is - and given the opening that someone will shower you with stories of saving big. The
If it strikes you as puzzling that Kohl's has a cult following along the lines of Trader Joe's or Wegmans, then this story is for you. Current customers might even learn a hack or two, as we look into the nuts and bolts of shopping - and saving - at Kohl's.
Hand Over Your Personal Info
Yes, you want to give them your name and email address. If you're like me and tired of giving out your email address, you've stopped. But give it up for Kohl's. It's where the savings will start. You will also want to sign up for Kohl's Yes2You Rewards. You can do it in-store or via the Kohl's app (we'll get to that later). It's basically a 5% cash-back program. You garner points as you buy stuff. You will also get special discount offers throughout the year.
Give them your birthday, too. It pays off. You'll get birthday discounts when your special day rolls around.
Collect Kohl's Cash
Take advantage of Kohl's Cash. Kohl's Cash is, in essence, a coupon that you earn by shopping during a specified time period. It can be redeemed on a future purchase made during a corresponding redemption period. You get
Download the Kohl's App
Use it to store all of your Kohl's coupons including Kohl's Cash. Additionally, when fired up in-store, you can score 10 free Yes2You rewards points.
"Kohl's always has a coupon offer available and the app is the easiest way to make sure you always have the best coupons available when you walk into the store," says
In-Store Technology Is Your Friend
Use the Kohl's in-store kiosk. It's like a self-checkout, except, in my Kohl's experiences, it's usually near the customer service counter in another part of the store. It has its savings perks - like free shipping anywhere in the U.S., straight to you or your friends and family (think birthday or holiday gifts).
While shopping at Kohl's, connect to the free Wi-Fi. A coupon could come your way, typically in the range of
Pile On the Coupons
Kohl's accepts multiple coupons for most purchases. Take advantage. "Kohl's coupon policy allows you to stack a dollar-off coupon (a
You can even use coupons on clearance items, which have already been marked down 60% or more. So if the clearance price is 80% off and you have a 30% off coupon, stack it, baby.
There's a caveat to couponing at Kohl's. Increasingly, more products are on the no-sale list, meaning you can't use Kohl's coupons and promotional offers to buy them. Count out most electronics,
Read the Signs
Electronic price tags on the shelves of Kohl's stores are there to be easily changed by corporate to reflect new pricing. Learn to interpret the codes parked in the upper-left corner of the LCD readout. BB stands for Bonus Buy (meaning Kohl's bought a lot of these from a manufacturer at a ridiculously low price); BGH stands for Buy One, Get One Half Off; PP is Product Placement, meaning the sale price is fixed by the manufacturer or Kohl's and not discounted; and S stands for Sale, meaning that item will be on sale for up to two weeks. Is there a square in the upper-right corner of the electronic tag? That means the product is at its lowest price - until it goes on clearance.
Know the Best Days and Times to Shop
Start by playing the age card. If you're 55 or older, you get a 15% discount every Wednesday in-store. And yes, that's an offer that's stackable with other discounts and promotions. Bring valid identification.
Night owls should shop on certain Fridays from
Go Off /Aisle
Kohl's is experimenting with a new off-price concept, Off/Aisle by Kohl's. The recently opened pilot stores in
Bob Niedt is an editor at Kiplinger.