KOHLS Defense and Our Shopping State of Mind

Axcess tunic: Kohls
Lee Jeans: Kohls
Target Shoes: Goodwill
Headband: Target

Last week, I wrote a post about JC Penney’s new marketing approach. By the way, if anyone has gone by JCP since they slashed prices for good, please let us know your observations!!

But, that post brought some interesting comments and got me to thinking as to why some of us see retailers so differently. I believe it is a variety of factors which are influencing us as we walk into a store to shop:

1. How much time do we have to spend in the store?

2. How much money do we have to spend?

3. What are our personal-style likes and dislikes?

4. Our size…yes, it matters how we feel about where we shop! (One of the comments was KOHLS does not offer enough petite sizes and that is a legitimate concern for petite women)

5. What kind of mood are we in when entering the store…grumpy, happy, bad day, good day, etc.

6. Do we have any pre-conceived beliefs about the store…it would take a lot for me to change my memory of Sears growing up. I just do not see it as high fashion.  But, Target turned it around beautifully….Jason Wu tomorrow!)

7. Have we had prior good or bad experiences at the store?

8. Quality and variety of merchandise!

Axcess Scarf on clearance for $5!! (Two years ago)
Dana Buchman Bracelet

 One comment on the previous post about KOHLS said that the reader believes KOHLS embellishes every garment. This one baffled me, because some of my most minimal basic designs come from the KOHLS collections by Vera Wang, Dana Buchman, and Jennifer Lopez. All of these designers also have embellished pieces in their KOHLS collections, but like the tunic, I am modeling today, there are many selections which are basic and unadorned. Also, I have found the Lauren Conrad and Elle collections to be a bit more embellished. My Simply Vera long sleeved T shirts are just T Shirts in colors I like with great fit….nothing added. I do enjoy shopping there for many reasons…great offerings, easy access and affordability are at the top of that list.I had some pre-conceived negative ideas which grew in the last two years toward Macy’s, but I am willing to admit that Macy’s has made some positive marketing purchasing and promotion decisions that I like. I am happy to return there as a shopper once again. I also want to encourage the woman in the mirror (meaning me) and all of my readers to be aware of what might or might not influence our perceptions of a retailer and try to keep an open mind. But, we will all have our favorites and that is what makes the fashion world go round!!

She’s  loving Marshalls for these shoes!!!

Are there other factors which may influence how you look at a particular retailer???

Gigi is lovng Chicos for the fabulous jacket she bought on sale!!

Is there anything you would add to the list above??

14 Comments

  1. Oh dear heart, you both look so fABULOUS! I believe in using what you have. I don't do a lot of cloths shopping but I use what I have and then spruce it up with jewels and scarves. AND NICE CHUNKY BRACELETS! Thanks for coming by..dance on! Anita

  2. I think that shade of blue is fabulous on you!
    For me a lot of where i shop depends on the aesthetics of the store, crowded, rack.after.rack, no rhyme or reason to how things are laid out,stuff crammed in aisle. Just makes me feel yucky!
    Usually.why i avoid stores like Khols & JCP
    Interest to maybe visit JCPand see what they have done differently inside the store
    Brett

  3. That shade of blue really is your color! So vibrant!

    I have never found a single item of clothing at Kohl's that fit me properly – but that's not surprising with my height. There are many retailers who's cuts don't work for me.

    Meow to those leopard shoes!
    xo, A

  4. I think what often happens is that, once we have a few bad experiences with a particular retailer, we don't go back. Maybe there are still good things to be found there, but we just don't have the time to waste. Habit is also part of it. I used to shop at JC Penney's a lot and did well there. Then I had one bad experience and got out of the habit of going. I do intend to go back, though.

    I haven't given up on Kohl's, but I have to be very, very careful there. I've made some mistakes. I just find that some of their clothes just don't seem to "hang" right on me. There's something about the fabrics or the cuts. But their store design and prices are so appealing that I do keep going back.

  5. I think there are definitely factors…such as, Walmart. I just can't bring myself to purchase clothing at Walmart. Honestly, I really haven't bought clothes at Target in years either (I know I do mostly thrifting, but even with that, I just don't care to shop for clothes at Target). I think what I am finding that is really turning me off is the saturation of a particular style or tend. Target sells out of Missoni in one day? That tells me that EVERYONE is going to be wearing that. I find myself more and more moving toward style and away from fashion. YOU look beautiful in that gorgeous blue! And GiGi looks as stunning as ever! You two must have so. much. fun! Hugs! ~Serene

  6. You both look great. I looked at the jacket Gigi has on, but when I realized I have more than 5 animal print jackets, I had to say no. Gigi looks very chic in it.
    As to the stores. I used to buy a lot in Coldwater Creek. I rarely go in there now. Chico's, Talbots, Dillards, and Von Maur are the stores I frequent the most. We don't have the choices here that some cities have (although we do have more than others, so I am not griping.) I like Von Maur because I can get Ann Klein tops on sale. Love them. Chico's just suits me. I know there are a number of the "how not to look old" stylists who destest Chico's, but then they probably have access to some of the best stores in the world.

  7. Love Gigi's shoes and your bracelet is beautiful. I actually have a Kohl's charge card, which I have used primarily to shop for my daughters. I think the last thing I purchased there would have been a pair of athletic shoes. I don't see the embellishments as the problem, but the Kohl's in my area has a very cramped area between racks and it is often messy. I have looked at their clothing, at times, but have very seldom purchased anything, not because I'm anti-Kohl's, but because I prefer thrifting.

    Debbie's comment is interesting to me. When I'm thrifting, my hand often comes to rest on pieces by Coldwater Creek, but I have some weird thing about NOT purchasing their items. I don't know why. Similarly, I often pull out Old Navy items, but rarely thrift them. I should do a post exploring my subconscious objections!

  8. First-you both look AWESOME!!!
    What influences me is if they have my size. I'm a plus-size so that limits me. Sometimes the plus-size offerings are really awful. I happen to LOVE Dressbarn because they have such nice plus-size stuff. Lane Bryant can be hit or miss–sometimes they are just too "teenybopper" for me.
    Mostly I like thrift stores

  9. I am not much of Kohl’s fan. I need a 33 or 34 inseam and it’s hard to find in my Kohl’s. Most mens slacks don’t go beyond a 38. I'd rather pay more and buy less. I think Kohl's quality is not good. My Paramus, NJ store carries very few women’s longs, so I’ve stopped looking and stopped going. I had mentioned this to the manager, (longs and also men’s slacks over 38 waist) even emailed the store. My response was that there wasn’t a calling for a large amount of longs. Doubt it!

    I visited J C Penny’s in Paramus NJ today, 2/4/12, and was amazed to find the isles clear of clutter and a streamed-lined store. (Not a fan of JC Penny either, but I purchase more from the store and my men folk find that the store is great for larger sizes and talls) Much less merchandise all over. Garments were not crammed into racks and new pricing was visible. They covered over the old prices with the new prices and the old prices were higher than the new prices. (Yes, I lifted a number of price tags to reveal the old price being higher). So far I’m happy. Didn’t buy cause I’m not a fan of their styles, but they have men’s pants well over a 38 and a lot of the women’s jeans were in a “long”!

  10. I live in a small community where Kohl's has a very limited petite section. This is frustrating for me. Also, I think the trends seems to overflood the market, and I am not one to necessarily follow the trend if it doesn't look good on me. We lost our JCP, so if I am to do serious shopping, I have to go to neighboring communities that are 45-60 miles away! I like to shop online as I can avoid crowds, and take back an item if need be. My last several purchases have been from Kohl's (jeans, tops and a coat) and Christopher and Banks (sweater and shell). So, like you said, Pam, it depends on time, the mood, money etc.

    You both look great in your outfits! Love the animal print on Gigi.

  11. I seldom shop retail, so I'm not one to comment. Currently my own closet is my playground, and the aisles are very crowded. Beautiful photos! The scarf and bracelet look lovely with blue.

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