Kohl’s Will Open Amazon Boutiques in Some Stores

Kohl’s will open Amazon shops in some stores starting in October. The retailer said it the new Amazon smart home experience will be available in 10 select Kohl’s stores across the Los Angeles and Chicago areas.

 “We believe in the power of our store portfolio and know that our future as a best-in-class omnichannel retailer will be driven by how inventive, compelling and unique we can make our store experience,” said Michelle Gass, Kohl’s chief merchandising and customer officer. “Kohl’s and Amazon share a customer obsession and we’ve joined together to leverage each other’s strengths and deliver a great experience customers can only find at Kohl’s.”

Shoppers will be able to purchase Amazon devices, accessories and smart home devices, and services directly from Amazon in the Amazon smart home spaces. The 1,000-square-foot area will provide a hands-on, interactive array of smart home products with a variety of Amazon devices, including Amazon Echo, Echo Dot, Amazon Fire TV, Fire tablets and more.

“We are thrilled to offer a unique new way for customers to try out our lineup of Alexa-enabled Amazon devices, learn more about our smart home services from Amazon experts and then buy those items directly from Amazon—all within Kohl’s stores,” said Dave Zimmer, vice president, sales and marketing, Amazon Devices. “Teaming up with Kohl’s provides an incredible opportunity to pair world-class customer and shopping experiences.”

The experience will showcase how smart home products – many powered by Alexa – work in the home. Amazon sales associates with deep knowledge of the Amazon products will staff the space. Shoppers will be able to touch, feel and interact with Amazon devices before they buy.

Most notable, customers will be able to schedule an Amazon expert to come to their home, evaluate their needs and install smart home products.

Customers can also take advantage of Amazon Home Services, which offers access to vetted local services professionals, to help with everything around the house from cleaning to plumbing.