"Customers can rely on us around the clock for their last-minute gift giving solutions, and we are providing 24-hour access to Kohl's stores right up to Christmas Eve," said Michelle Gass, Kohl's chief customer officer.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- In another sign that retailers are willing to go to extremes to keep us shopping, Kohl's Department Stores just announced it plans to stay open for more than 100 hours straight, starting at 6 a.m. Dec. 19 and running through 6 p.m. Christmas Eve.
That's more than twice the 42 hours that Kmart stayed open, from 6 a.m. on Thanksgiving through midnight Black Friday. In 2012, Macy's kept its stores open 65 hours straight the last weekend before Christmas, including some stores (none in Northeast Ohio) that were open through Christmas Eve.
Longer shopping hours could also be in response to the fact that the five-day stretch between Thanksgiving/Black Friday and Cyber Monday drew fewer shoppers who spent less than retailers anticipated. National Retail Federation President and Chief Executive Matthew Shay said on Nov. 30 that from now through Christmas Eve, "every day is going to be Black Friday, and every minute is going to be Cyber Monday."
Michelle Gass, Kohl's chief customer officer, said in a statement that "Customers can rely on us around the clock for their last-minute gift giving solutions, and we are providing 24-hour access to Kohl's stores right up to Christmas Eve."
"From popular gifts like toys, electronics and jewelry to great giftables such as men's novelty items and beauty gift sets, customers will be inspired to select the perfect gift for everyone on their list and shop whenever it is most convenient for them."
Kohl's, with 17 stores in Northeast Ohio, says that in addition to its extended shopping hours, it will also offer lots of last-minute extras for those still undecided about what to buy family and friends.
Those promotions include:
* Yes2You Rewards members will earn one point for every dollar spent, no matter how they pay, and a $5 reward for every 100 points. Details at Kohls.com/rewards.
* Kohl's charge customers will get extra discounts on their first purchase, as well as "Pick-Your-Day" shopping passes and other deals throughout the year.
* Like other brick-and-mortar retailers, Kohl's is touting its buy-online, pick-up-in-store service at more than 100 stores in Chicago, Milwaukee, San Diego and central Pennsylvania, including access to "premier, designated parking spaces" -- but none in Ohio.
* Kohl's also offers gift cards to Kohl's and other stores, both in-store and online, including e-gift cards that can be sent to someone's phone or email account.
* Those who still can't find what they want on store shelves can order online from in-store Kohl's Kiosks that are offering free standard shipping to U.S. destinations.
Kohl's has 1,163 stores in 49 states, including 54 in Ohio, according to its website.
Shopping Days Left Until Christmas