When to Shop at Kohl’s for the Deepest Discounts and Cash Back

Finding the ultimate deal at Kohl’s is something of an art form. The retailer is famous for offering great prices year-round, but certain seasons and events offer dramatically steeper price drops. If you are wondering what are the best times of year to shop at Kohl’s to take advantage of the deepest discounts, you need to look at major holiday weekends, end-of-season clearance windows and Kohl’s Cash earning periods.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are the undisputed champions of retail discounts. During late November, Kohl’s rolls out massive sitewide promotions. You’ll often see steep markdowns on electronics, small kitchen appliances and apparel. More importantly, Kohl’s typically increases the amount of Kohl’s Cash you’ll earn during this week. Instead of earning the standard $10 for every $50 spent, you might earn $15.

Beyond the late-fall holiday rush, end-of-season clearance events are incredibly lucrative. January is the prime time to buy winter coats, sweaters and cold-weather gear. Retailers are desperate to clear out bulky winter inventory to make room for spring styles, resulting in markdowns of up to 70% off. Similarly, late July and August are perfect for scoring deals on summer apparel, patio furniture and outdoor toys.

Another fantastic time to shop is during Kohl’s specific promotional events, such as their regular Lowest Prices of the Season sales. These typically happen a few times a year, often in spring and fall, and feature aggressive price drops across almost every department. Finally, if you qualify, Wednesdays offer a dedicated 15% discount for shoppers ages 60 or older.

What are the pros and cons of waiting for a Kohl’s clearance event?

Shoppers often face a familiar dilemma when they spot something they love. Do you buy it right now, or do you wait weeks for the item to hit the clearance racks? Understanding the pros and cons of waiting for a Kohl’s clearance event can help you make the smartest financial decision.

The pros of waiting for a clearance event 

The biggest advantage of waiting for clearance is the sheer volume of the discount. Clearance items are frequently marked down by 50% to 70% from their original retail price. If you’re shopping for out-of-season apparel or home goods, patience can literally pay off in huge ways. When you combine a clearance price with a percent-off store coupon and Rakuten Cash Back, the out-of-pocket cost plummets.

The cons of waiting for a clearance event 

The major downside to waiting is inventory risk. Clearance racks are unpredictable. If you have your eye on a specific pair of sneakers in a size 8 or a popular seasonal jacket in a medium, there is a high probability it will sell out before it ever gets marked down. You also have to wait longer to enjoy your purchase, which is not ideal if you need an item immediately for an upcoming trip or event.

Is it worth waiting for specific Kohl’s sales events to maximize savings on large purchases?

When you are spending hundreds of dollars on a single item, timing your purchase is crucial. Is it worth waiting for specific Kohl’s sales events to maximize savings on large purchases? The short answer is yes. Waiting for the right moment can save you a significant amount of money.

Big-ticket items such as vacuums, stand mixers, furniture and fine jewelry represent your best opportunities to stack savings. Let’s say you want to buy a high-end blender that costs $400. If you buy it on a random Tuesday, you might earn standard Cash Back and maybe use a small coupon. But if you wait for Black Friday or a major holiday weekend sale, the financial picture changes completely.

First, the item itself will likely see a direct price drop. Second, Kohl’s will likely be running a generous Kohl’s Cash promotion. Buying a $400 item during a period where you earn $15 in Kohl’s Cash for every $50 spent yields $120 in store rewards for future use. Third, major retail holidays often trigger elevated Cash Back rates from Rakuten. Combining a lower base price, a pile of Kohl’s Cash and a boosted Cash Back percentage creates a massive return on your investment. For large purchases, practicing patience and waiting for a holiday weekend or sitewide event is the savviest move you can make.

What are the best ways to stay informed about upcoming Kohl’s deals?

Nobody wants to miss out on a massive sale because they didn’t check their phone in time. Knowing the best ways to stay informed about upcoming Kohl’s deals ensures that you are always ready to strike when prices drop.

The most effective method is to let technology do the heavy lifting for you. First, sign up for Kohl’s email newsletters and text alerts. Retailers always reward their subscribers with early notice about doorbusters and exclusive promo codes. Second, download the Rakuten app and enable push notifications. When Kohl’s runs a special elevated Cash Back event, which frequently coincides with their biggest sales, Rakuten will send a joyful alert straight to your phone.

Additionally, installing the Rakuten browser extension on your computer is a foolproof way to stay informed. Whenever you navigate to the Kohl’s website, the extension will automatically pop up to notify you of the current Cash Back rate and any available coupon codes. You will never have to hunt for deals manually again.

How to stack Kohl’s sales with Rakuten Cash Back

Stacking is the ultimate savvy shopper strategy. It means layering different types of savings on top of one another to drive your final price down to the absolute minimum. Here is a simple guide to stacking your rewards at Kohl’s.

First, start your shopping trip through Rakuten. Whether you use the site, the app or the browser extension, click through to Kohl’s to activate your Cash Back. This is your foundation.

Next, look for sitewide promo codes. Kohl’s frequently offers 15%, 20% or even 30% off coupons. Apply these codes to your cart.

Then, check your Kohl’s Rewards account. If you have any earned Kohl’s Cash from previous shopping trips, apply it at checkout. Kohl’s Cash acts like store credit, directly reducing your out-of-pocket cost.

Finally, complete your purchase. You just received the sale price, the coupon discount and the Kohl’s Cash reduction, and you are earning Rakuten Cash Back on the final total. It is a seamless way to make your money work significantly harder for you.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best day to shop at Kohl’s? 

The absolute best days to shop are typically the second and fourth weekends of the month. These weekends often align with Kohl’s Cash earning periods and weekend-only doorbuster deals. Additionally, major holiday weekends such as Memorial Day, Labor Day and Black Friday offer incredible sitewide savings.

Does Kohl’s have 15% off for seniors on Wednesdays? 

Yes. Kohl’s offers a special discount every Wednesday for shoppers ages 60 or older. Eligible customers receive 15% off their in-store purchases.

How to get the senior discount at Kohl’s? 

To receive the 15% senior discount, simply shop in-store on a Wednesday and present a valid photo ID to the cashier at checkout to verify your age. Please note that this discount is available in-store only and cannot be combined with other percent-off coupons, although you can still earn and redeem Kohl’s Cash.

What can I expect from Kohl’s Black Friday sale? 

You can expect some of the lowest prices of the entire year across almost all categories. The sale traditionally features heavy discounts on small kitchen appliances, electronics, toys, apparel and footwear. You will also see elevated Kohl’s Cash earning opportunities, making it the most rewarding time of year to tackle your holiday gift list.