With nearly 1,200 stores nationwide, Kohl’s has more locations in the U.S. than any other department store. If the long weekend checkout line isn’t enough to convince you of how popular the retailer is, annual revenue of more than $17 billion might.
Famous for its popular “Kohl’s Cash,” the Wisconsin-based retailer has long been known for saving shoppers money that might be better spent elsewhere or put in a savings account. That’s not to say Kohl’s is suitable for everyone, though. Here are four signs that you may want to avoid the popular store.
1. You tend to get caught up in the excitement
As someone who doesn’t enjoy crowds and doesn’t like in-person shopping, it’s odd that I get a small thrill every time I walk into a Kohl’s store. Kohl’s is like cotton candy. I love the stuff, but I feel a little sick when I overindulge — and it can be challenging to leave Kohl’s without overindulging.
I find it difficult to avoid getting caught up in the treasure-hunt atmosphere, so I often stay longer than I should and buy more than I need. If you feed off the atmosphere of a crowd and make less-than-stellar decisions in high-energy situations, avoiding Kohl’s — at least for a while — may be an excellent idea.
2. It’s becoming difficult to pay off your credit card
Managing personal finances can be tricky when you’re surrounded by so many buys that appeal to you. Suddenly, you can’t live without that carrot peeler you didn’t even know you needed, and the dog bed you just picked up for your pup seems logical. That’s all fine as long as you have no trouble paying the bill and have enough left over to pay your other financial obligations.
However, if it’s become increasingly difficult to pay your credit card off in full each month, that’s a good sign that you’re spending too much time there.
One trick to make large purchases is to use a credit card with a 0% promotional rate — click here for our picks for the best cards with 0% intro APRs. These cards typically offer 12 to 21 months to pay in full — and you won’t be charged a cent of interest.
3. You walk out with things you don’t need
I purchased the dog bed mentioned above, only to learn that my little guy would rather sleep directly on the floor beside my desk. To be honest, I’m not even sure where that bed is right now.
Only you can decide if you’re buying things you don’t need simply because the deals seem too good to pass up. Buying something when it’s on sale feels more like saving than spending. Saving makes sense when you actually need something and will put it to good use, but buying for the sake of saving a few dollars is like tossing your money into a bonfire.
I’ve known people who love the thrill of buying and routinely make purchases they know they’ll return for a refund. That makes zero sense. In addition to the fuel required to drive back to the store, constantly returning items uses up precious resources like time and energy.
4. You consider it a loss if you fail to use Kohl’s Cash
During periodic shopping events throughout the year, shoppers are given a coupon for $10 worth of Kohl’s Cash for every $50 they spend after all discounts and before paying sales tax. Each coupon indicates the redemption period for when the cash must be spent.
Say it’s the holiday season, and you’ve spent $300 on gifts and decor. One week later, you’ve got $60 in Kohl’s Cash, burning a hole in your pocket. You can’t think of a single thing you need but feel you’re losing money if you don’t return to Kohl’s to use it.
If you spend less than $60, it’s a pretty great deal. However, if you walk back into the store and it’s buzzing with great deals and excitement, you may just find yourself buying things you don’t need.
Kohl’s has a lot going for it. The stores tend to be laid out well, customer service reps are almost always nice, and you truly can snag some bargains. However, it’s all about doing what’s best for you and your checking account. If you sometimes feel a little sick from overindulging, it may be time to limit your trips.
