Kohl’s introduces self-checkout in 250 stores as part of MAJOR revamp for struggling chain
To look at! Kohl’s introduces self-checkout in 250 stores as part of MAJOR revamp for struggling chain
- Department store chain has announced a major update to its stores to boost retail sales
- New CEO Tom Kingsbury has vowed to turn the company around after shares lost nearly half of their value last year
- Kohl’s said 250 stores nationwide will get self-checkout kiosks and it will prioritize “Americana” merchandise
Kohl’s has announced a major update to its stores to improve the shopping experience and boost sales.
The retailer will introduce self-checkout kiosks and rearrange the placement of certain in-demand products, as part of plans introduced by new CEO Tom Kingsbury.
Kingsbury, who accepted the position in February, has pledged to flip the company after its shares lost nearly half of their value by 2022 and it was nearly bought out by JCPenney.
It comes after the struggling department store chain posted a surprise profit earlier this week amid a widespread downturn in the retail market.
Big names like Walmart, Sears and Walgreens are closing in droves across the country, while 50-year-old discount home chain Bed Bath & Beyond filed for bankruptcy in February.
Kohl’s has announced a major update to its stores to improve the shopping experience
CEO Tom Kingsbury has pledged to turn the company around following the acquisition in February
However, shares of Kohl’s closed more than 7 percent higher on Wednesday.
Kingsbury has pledged to reduce the company’s reliance on margin-cutting discounts and focus on high-demand categories, including workwear.
According to the Milwaukee DiaryKohl’s said 250 stores will have self-checkout kiosks.
In its first-quarter earnings call, the company also announced that it will consolidate its checkout lines into one area, which will contain more “impulse” items.
Kohl’s also said it plans to move home goods and gifts to the front of the store in an effort to maximize sales potential in those areas that have been some of the biggest sellers in recent years.
The company also said it wants to emphasize Americana merchandise for holidays like Memorial Day and Fourth of July — and add more seasonal items, wall art, patio furniture, camping and outdoor gear, as well as pet products.
Kohl’s said it hopes a rejuvenated look with “brighter store interiors” will also help win over customers — and encourage shoppers to come back who may not have come to the store in recent years.
Unlike other chains, which have been hit by the so-called “retail apocalypse” sweeping the country, Kohl’s said it is not considering any 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 get self-checkout kiosks in major location revamp
Shares of Kohl’s closed more than 7 percent higher on May 24 after it posted a surprise gain
The company focuses on attracting customers with its revamped stores and merchandise
The announcement that the company will introduce more self-checkout kiosks comes after customers complain that they are increasingly being asked for tips at self-checkout machines – despite not interacting with an employee.
Checkouts at airports, stadiums, shops and cafes reportedly ask customers if they want to add tips of up to 20 percent.
The revelation comes amid a widespread backlash against “tip inflation,” which has seen tipping culture flow out of bars and restaurants into coffee shops and takeaway stores.
However, it has not been suggested that shoppers will be asked to tip at Kohl’s stores.