2 /5 jen warner: Two stars based on the experience I encountered on 11/16 and 11/17 with a manager/supervisor Ill call R. Usually I’d give a 4 or 5!
On 11/16/25, I went to return a vacuum cleaner purchased On 10/31/25. R stated what they thought Kohls policy (eventually incorrect on their part) was on returning a vacuum cleaner. I did not know the policy, but what R stated seemed incorrect to me.
R flatly told me since I did not have the original box for the return, I was out $100 plus. I was upset. R never empathised with me that I didn’t have the original box. I think that understanding should be a natural response from someone in customer service. R instead, did not look me in the eye while speaking at me.
R provided me with a phone number to call to see if there was anything Kohls could do for me, but I would probably not receive a full refund. I asked R for a copy of the return policy, but was told it was not possible. Each time I asked R a question, R said to call the number while not making eye contact. As I left, I told R that they were not helpful at all.
The next day I called the number. It turns out, R was wrong. I could return without the box and was instructed to go back to Kohl’s for the return. I was hesitant as my first encounter was negative, but I was reassured that if I received resistance for the return to have the manager call the number I called.
When I returned to Kohls, I saw R as I was called to a register. R seemed aware that I returned again. I stopped to chat with R. Apparently, R talked to her higher ups to clarify the return policy. She was told that she was incorrect and the original box was not required.
I questioned R on this. At this point, R became hostile, raising her voice at me, and eventually yelling at me. Saying that I had disrespected them the day before. And that they (R) did not need to say they are sorry for not knowing the policy because I did not respect them.
R wanted to process my return, but I declined as I felt attacked, and separation was needed and headed to the register originally meant for me. Then all the sudden, I’m told to wait off to the side, while I hear R calling for back up as she’s dealing with the situation she talked about yesterday with the vacuum cleaner return. I felt attacked and humiliated by R. In the end, R’s supervisors that were called were nice, friendly, understanding and communicated with me well.
I just don’t understand why R didnt use her customer service skills on 11/16 in the moment to express empathy and understanding for the fact that she told me I was basically out my $100 plus (which was wrong on her part). Also, why didn’t R seek clarification on the policy before I left on 11/16? And what prompted her to seek clarification eventually? And how many times has R done this to consumers in the past not knowing the return policy?
The sad thing is that R was helping out a new Kohl’s associate both times this happened! How embarrassing for Kohl’s!