If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em seems to be the adage for Kohl’s Corp (NYSE:KSS), which is cosying up to online rival Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ:AMZN).
The department stores operator said it would offer free returns for Amazon customers in 82 stores across Los Angeles and Chicago.
Kohl’s said it would pack and ship eligible items back to Amazon, free of charge.
Not first time ...
“This is a great example of how Kohl’s and Amazon are leveraging each other's strengths – the power of Kohl’s store portfolio and omni-channel capabilities combined with the power of Amazon’s reach and loyal customer base,” said Richard Schepp, chief administrative officer of Kohl’s.
It is not the first example of Kohl’s getting into bed with a company that is widely regarded as a mortal threat to the continued existence of bricks & mortar retailers. Earlier this month, Kohl’s announced “a new Amazon smart home experience” – in other words, a department where it sells Amazon gizmos and gadgets - would be available in 10 select Kohl’s stores across the Chicago and Los Angeles areas starting in October.