Kohl's will help you return Amazon orders
Beginning July 1, Kohl’s is launching an Amazon returns program nationwide. Why would Kohl’s do this? In May’s investor report, Kohl’s CEO admitted that sales were soft the first part of the year and she believes this initiative is a good way to get people into the brick-and-mortar stores to help reverse the downward trend in sales.
I called our local store. Here’s what you should know about returning merchandise you purchased from Amazon at a Kohl’s store.
Go to your Amazon account and make sure the item you would like to return is an eligible item Kohl’s can accept. If it is, you can head down to the store and go to the customer service department, where they process returns.
A Kohl’s rep will process your return free of charge regardless of the reason for the return or whether the items are in a box or not. This makes it easy for customers because Kohl’s will bear the expense of returning the merchandise to an Amazon returns center.
One reason Kohl’s is rolling out this program is to try to appeal to millennial shoppers. They have been testing the Amazon returns policy in about 100 stores in the Midwest and West Coast, with positive results for attracting new and younger customers though we can all benefit from this program.
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LIBRARIES MORE THAN BOOK LOANERS: The Cd’A Public Library offers some cool services to the community. Besides reading programs, other things offered include 2019 DMV practice tests, SAT/ACT prep testing, 3D printing, use of power tools and even booking a librarian.
Need to brush up on your driving skills before your license expires? No problem, there are DMV practice tests that you can access online at the library’s website. Are you a student who needs to study for the dreaded ACT or SAT test and can’t afford the prep classes? Look to the library to see what resources they offer for both online and in-person services.
The library also offers a 3D printing service to the public. You just need to bring in your design on a USB in an STL format and work out the timing for your project with the staff.
Don’t have a sewing machine or power tools you need for a project? You can use these items in the Make It Lab at the library. One caveat, these tools aren’t allowed to leave the building.
Want to sit down with a librarian and pick their brain on a certain subject? Turns out you can. They will research a certain subject then sit down with you for a limited time to review the findings. Whether you’re a student researching a class assignment or your problem is work-related, it might be worth exploring if a librarian can help.
So, dust off your library card and check out these amazing and free resources by going to the library’s website at http://www.cdalibrary.org/ and search either explore or resources. Many of our local libraries offer resources and services but they vary by location.
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STOP STORING PAYMENT INFO ONLINE: Just because it’s easier to let your smartphone and/or computer remember your passwords and payment information, the real question is, should you? While doing this is convenient, it’s a practice you might want to stop.
Most internet browsers let you save your credit card information online but there are two main reasons why you might want to reconsider. First, it can increase your susceptibility to being hacked. The more data your store online, the more chances criminals may be able to access it.
Second, it makes impulse shopping much easier. The convenience of clicking and buying makes it that much easier to buy that product or service we might not need. Never mind the constant reminders we get from websites we visited to check out a product that we haven’t purchased yet.
Also, even if you manually enter your credit card information on a website, make sure you’re on a secure Wi-Fi connection. If you’re using public Wi-Fi, the risk of a data breach is even greater because your information may not be secure on open networks.
If you’re able to use your hotspot on your cellphone, choose that option over a free Wi-Fi service when you’re conducting business. That way you won’t be exposing yourself to hackers.
Bottom Line: No matter how protected you feel when you’re using Wi-Fi, consider your own security and protect it by using a secure system from your home network. Also, use a credit card for purchases since this does offer you more protections than debit cards.
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Remember: I’m on your side.
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If you have encountered a consumer issue that you have questions about or think our readers should know about, please send me an email at terridickersonadvocate@gmail.com or call me at 208-274-4458. As The CDA Press Consumer Gal, I’m here to help. Please include your name and a phone number or email. I’m a full-time copywriter working with businesses on market messaging, a columnist and a consumer advocate living in Coeur d’Alene.