Check it out! Kohl’s introduces self-checkouts to 250 stores as part of MAJOR overhaul of struggling chain
- The department store chain has announced a major store update in a bid to boost retail sales
- New CEO Tom Kingsbury has pledged to turn the company around after its shares lost nearly half their value last year
- Kohl’s said 250 stores across the country will have self-checkout kiosks and prioritize ‘Americana’ merchandise
Kohl’s has announced a major update to its stores in an effort to improve the shopper experience and boost sales.
The retailer will introduce self-service payment terminals and revamp the placement of some in-demand products, under plans introduced by new CEO Tom Kingsbury.
Kingsbury, who took office in February, has pledged to turn the company around after its shares lost nearly half their value in 2022 and it was nearly taken over by JCPenney.
It comes after the struggling department store chain posted a surprise profit earlier this week amid a widespread slump in the retail market.
Department stores such as Walmart, Sears and Walgreens are closing en masse across the country, while the 50-year-old discount home goods chain Bed Bath & Beyond filed for bankruptcy in February.
Kohl’s has announced a major update to its stores in an effort to improve the shopper experience
CEO Tom Kingsbury has pledged to turn the company around after taking office in February
Shares of Kohl’s, however, closed more than 7% higher on Wednesday.
Kingsbury has pledged to reduce the company’s reliance on margin-sapping discounts and focus on in-demand categories, including workwear.
According to Milwaukee DiaryKohl’s said 250 stores will have self-checkout kiosks.
During its first-quarter earnings call, the company also announced that it would consolidate its payment lanes into one area, which will include more “impulse items.”
Kohl’s also said it plans to move homewares and gifts to the front of the store in an effort to maximize sales potential in areas that have been among its biggest sellers in recent years.
The company also said it wanted to emphasize Americana products for holidays such as Memorial Day and July 4 – and add more seasonal items, wall art, patio furniture, hardware camping and outdoor products, as well as pet products.
Kohl’s said he hopes a refreshed appearance with “brighter store interiors” will also help win over customers – and encourage returning shoppers who may have stopped visiting the store in recent years.
Unlike other chains, which have been affected by the so-called “retail apocalypse” sweeping the country, Kohl’s said it isn’t considering downsizing plans at this time.
Instead, it focuses on implementing new business strategies and attracting customers with its revamped stores and merchandise.
Kohl’s said 250 stores will have self-checkout kiosks as part of a major location overhaul
Kohl’s shares closed more than 7% higher on May 24 after posting a surprise profit
The company is focusing on attracting customers with its revamped stores and merchandise
The announcement that the company will introduce more self-service payment terminals comes after shoppers complained that they are increasingly being asked to tip at self-service payment machines, despite the lack of interaction with an employee.
Cash registers at airports, stadiums, shops and cafes would ask customers if they would like to add tips of up to 20%.
The revelation comes amid a widespread backlash over ‘tipflation’ which has seen tipping culture spill over from bars and restaurants and into cafes and takeaways.
However, there is no indication that shoppers will be asked to tip at Kohl stores.
