Kohl's to introduce self-check out in 250 stores as part of MAJOR revamp for struggling chain

Kohl's has announced a major update to its stores in a bid to improve shoppers' experience and boost sales. 

The retailer will introduce self checkout kiosks and rearrange the placing of certain in-demand products, as part of plans introduced by new CEO Tom Kingsbury. 

Kingsbury, who took up the post in February, has pledged to turn the company around after its shares lost almost half their value in 2022 and it was almost bought out by JCPenney.  

It comes after the struggling department store chain posted a surprise profit earlier this week, amid widespread downfall in the retail market. 

Big name stores such as Walmart, Sears and Walgreens are shuttering in their droves across the country, while 50-year-old discount home goods chain Bed Bath & Beyond filed for bankruptcy in February. 

Kohl's has announced a major update to its stores in a bid to improve shoppers' experience

CEO Tom Kingsbury has pledged to turn the company around after taking over in February

Shares in Kohl's, however, closed more than 7 percent higher on Wednesday. 

Kingsbury has pledged to reduce the company's reliance on margin-sapping discounts and focus on in-demand categories including work wear. 

According to the Milwaukee Journal, Kohl's said said that 250 stores will get self-checkout kiosks.

In its first-quarter earnings call, the company also announced it will consolidate its checkout lanes into one area, which will include more 'impulse items.'

Kohl's also said that it plans to relocate home goods and gifts to the front of the store in an attempt to maximize the sales potential in those areas which have been some of its biggest sellers in recent years. 

The company also said it wants to put an emphasis on Americana merchandise for holidays such as Memorial Day and Fourth of July - and add more seasonal items, wall art, patio furniture, camping and outdoor gear, as well as pet products. 

Kohl's said it hopes a rejuvenated appearance featuring 'brighter store interiors' will also help win over customers - and encourage shoppers back who might have stopped visiting the store in recent years. 

In contrast to other chains, which have been hit by the so-called 'retail apocalypse' sweeping the nation, Kohl's said it is not considering downsizing plans at this time. 

Instead, it is focusing on implementing new business strategies and drawing in customers with its revamped stores and merchandise.  

Kohl's said said that 250 stores will get self-checkout kiosks in a major revamp of locations

Shares in Kohl's closed more than 7 percent higher on May 24 after it posted a surprise profit 

The company is focused on drawing in customers with its revamped stores and merchandise

The announcement that the company will be introducing more self checkout kiosks come after shoppers have complained they are increasingly being asked to tip at self-checkout machines - despite having zero interaction with an employee.

Cash registers at airports, stadiums, shops and cafes are reportedly asking customers if they wish to add tips of up to 20 percent.

The revelation comes amidst widespread backlash over 'tipflation' which has seen tipping culture spill out from bars and restaurants and into coffee shops and take-away stores.

There has been no suggestion, however, that shoppers will be asked to tip at Kohl's stores.