The holiday season is here, and with it comes the excitement of gift-giving—and, of course, the inevitable returns.

This year, Kohl’s has made a big change to its return policy that could make your holiday shopping experience a lot easier. But there’s a catch—only a select group of shoppers will be able to take full advantage of this change.


Every year, Kohl’s is known for its generous return policy, which typically offers a 90-day window for returns. But this holiday season, they’ve made a surprising shift that has some customers asking questions.

What’s behind this new policy? And who exactly benefits from this change? The answers to these questions might just surprise you, as Kohl’s is introducing something special for holiday shoppers—but not everyone will get the same benefit.

How the Return Policy Works This Holiday Season​

Here’s the big reveal: Kohl’s is offering an extended return period for certain items bought after November 1—specifically for customers using a Kohl's card.

If you’re one of those lucky shoppers, you’ll have until January 31 to return popular holiday gifts like electronics, beauty products, and watches! This gives you 120 days to return these items.


This means more time to decide if that gift was truly a hit or if it’s time for a return. Not too shabby, right?

But there’s more to the story, including how this new policy stacks up against other retailers and what it means for your holiday shopping!

Kohl’s isn’t the only retailer offering generous holiday return policies. Sephora has extended its return window as well. Customers can return items purchased between November 1 and December 1, 2024, until January 31, 2025.

However, for anything bought after December 1, Sephora’s usual return policy applies. Keep in mind that proof of purchase is required for all returns!

The Bittersweet News of Store Closures​

While Kohl’s is spreading some holiday cheer with the extended return window, it’s not all good news. The retailer has also announced the closure of its Herndon, Virginia, location after 20 years of service.

The store will close its doors on January 18, 2025, marking the end of an era for many loyal customers. This is a reflection of the broader trend affecting physical stores across the country.

The Retail Apocalypse and the Future of Shopping​

Experts predict that up to 45,000 physical stores could close within the next five years, further fueling the so-called "retail apocalypse."

Big names like Foot Locker, Sally Beauty, and Bed Bath & Beyond have either downsized or gone online-only.

However, certain retail giants, including Walmart, Costco, and Target, are positioned to thrive in this changing landscape.

Maximizing Your Return Experience at Kohl’s​

If you’re planning to take advantage of Kohl’s extended return policy, here are some tips to ensure your return process goes smoothly:

1. Save Your Receipts: Keep proof of purchase to ensure a hassle-free return.

2. Mark Your Calendar: Make a note of the return deadlines, especially if you’re shopping for gifts.


3. Use the Right Card: Make sure you use the qualifying payment method to benefit from the extended return period.

4. Check Eligible Items: Double-check which items qualify for the extended return window.

5. Plan Ahead: With the closure of some stores, consider how this may impact your ability to return items in person.

As Kohl's continues to evolve, it’s important to stay informed about these changes. Whether it’s the extended return window or the store closures, knowing how to navigate these updates can help you make the most of your shopping experience this holiday season.


Here at The GrayVine, we're more than just a community; we're a family that supports one another. Have store closures affected you in your area? Do you have any tips for navigating return policies during the holiday rush? Share your stories and advice in the comments below!