If you’ve driven down Pontiac Trail or M-5 in Commerce Township lately, you’ve probably seen the massive Kohl's sign near the Sephora at Kohl's Oakland Square. It’s tucked right into that busy shopping hub where Walled Lake, Novi, and West Bloomfield all kinda bleed together. For a lot of us who live in the Oakland County suburbs, this specific location has basically changed the way we handle a quick beauty run.
Gone are the days when you had to brave the Twelve Oaks Mall parking lot just to grab a bottle of Nars foundation or a fresh tube of Laneige lip balm.
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Honestly, the "store-within-a-store" concept felt a little gimmicky when it first launched a few years back. People were skeptical. Would it have the good stuff? Would the staff actually know the difference between a chemical and physical exfoliant? But walking into the Oakland Square spot, it’s clear they didn’t just slap some black-and-white stripes on a wall and call it a day. It’s a fully realized, 2,500-square-foot beauty destination that feels surprisingly premium for being located right next to the kitchen appliance aisle.
Why This Commerce Township Spot Hits Different
Location matters. The Oakland Square shopping center is a beast. You’ve got the Home Depot right there, a Target across the way, and a dozen other reasons to be in that specific parking lot. The Sephora at Kohl's Oakland Square thrives because it captures that "I’m already here" energy.
The layout is intentional. Unlike the standalone stores that can feel a bit claustrophobic during a Saturday rush, this location uses the open-air floor plan of Kohl’s to its advantage. It’s bright. The lighting is actually decent—which is a miracle because we all know mall lighting usually makes everyone look like they haven't slept since 2012.
What’s interesting about the inventory here is the curation. You aren't getting every single niche brand that you’d find at a flagship store in New York or even the full spread at Twelve Oaks. However, the heavy hitters are all present.
- Fenty Beauty by Rihanna (The foundation range here is surprisingly well-stocked).
- Rare Beauty (Yes, they usually have the liquid blushes, though the viral shades still sell out fast).
- Drunk Elephant (Full skincare routines available).
- The Ordinary (Perfect for those $7 impulse buys).
- Charlotte Tilbury (The "Pillow Talk" display is usually the first thing that catches your eye).
The staff at this location are Sephora-trained. That’s a huge distinction. They aren't just Kohl’s employees who got moved to a different department for the week. They know the products. If you ask for a "clean beauty" mascara recommendation, they’re going to point you toward Tower 28 or Merit, not just shrug and gesture vaguely at a shelf.
The Rewards Loophole Everyone Forgets
Let’s talk money. This is the part that actually makes the Sephora at Kohl's Oakland Square better than a standalone boutique for some shoppers.
You can double dip.
When you shop here, you still earn your Beauty Insider points. You scan your app, the points go into your account, and you can redeem them for those tiny, adorable samples just like always. But—and this is the kicker—you also earn Kohl’s Rewards. If you have a Kohl’s Card or you’re a rewards member, that 5% back adds up.
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There is a catch, though. You generally can’t use "Kohl’s Cash" that you earned from buying a toaster to buy a Chanel perfume. People try it every day. The registers will literally block the transaction. However, you can use Sephora gift cards here, and you can use Kohl’s gift cards to buy Sephora products. It’s a weird bit of retail math that works in your favor if you’re savvy about it.
Returns and The Logistics of Convenience
One of the biggest headaches with online shopping is the return process. If you bought something on Sephora.com, you can actually return it at the Oakland Square Kohl’s location, provided it’s within the return window and follows the standard Sephora policies.
The line moves fast. Because it’s located inside a larger department store, the foot traffic is more spread out. Even on a busy Friday evening, you’re rarely waiting behind ten people all trying to get color-matched at the same time.
A Different Kind of Shopping Experience
It’s quieter here. That’s the best way to put it.
If you go to a standalone Sephora on a weekend, it’s loud. There’s music pumping, dozens of teenagers testing every lip gloss in sight, and it can be a bit overwhelming if you just want to find a new moisturizer and go home. The Sephora at Kohl's Oakland Square has a more relaxed vibe. It feels more like a "neighborhood" shop.
The testers are usually in better shape, too. Maybe it’s because the "Sephora Kids" phenomenon hasn’t hit this specific suburban Kohl’s as hard as the flagship malls, but you’ll find that the palettes aren't completely destroyed. It’s cleaner.
What You Won't Find
It isn't perfect. If you are looking for ultra-luxury brands like Chanel, Dior, or Tom Ford, you’re probably going to be disappointed. Those brands tend to stay exclusive to the standalone stores or high-end department stores like Nordstrom.
Also, the "Beauty Studio" services are limited. Don’t expect a full 60-minute facial or a professional bridal makeup application here. They do 15-minute "Beauty Lessons" and quick consultations, but it’s more of a DIY-with-guidance environment than a full-service salon.
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How to Maximize Your Visit
If you’re planning to head to the Oakland Square location, there are a few tactical things to keep in mind.
- Check the Kohl’s App: Sometimes there are "Kohl’s Rewards" events that apply to the beauty department even if standard coupons don’t.
- Timing is Everything: Go Tuesday or Wednesday morning. The shelves are freshly stocked from the weekend depletion, and you’ll have the associates all to yourself.
- Check the "End Caps": Some of the best deals at this location aren't in the main aisles. They often have travel-sized sets and "Best of Sephora" kits near the Kohl's checkout lane that are great for trying new brands without committing to a $60 bottle.
The Sephora at Kohl's Oakland Square represents a shift in how Oakland County shops. We want the prestige brands, but we don't always want the prestige "experience" of hunting for a parking spot for twenty minutes. It’s convenience without the compromise.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Visit
Before you hop in the car and drive over to Commerce, do these three things to make sure you actually get what you need.
- Sync your accounts: Make sure your Sephora Beauty Insider email matches the one on your Kohl’s Rewards account. It makes the checkout process seamless and ensures you get your points without having to call customer service later.
- Check local stock: Use the Sephora app and set "Oakland Square Kohl's" as your store. It’s about 95% accurate on what’s actually on the shelf. If it says "Limited Stock," it’s probably gone.
- Look for the "Clean at Sephora" seal: If you’re trying to transition to non-toxic beauty, this location has a surprisingly large dedicated section for brands like Saie, Ilia, and Kosas.
Whether you’re a makeup pro or someone who just needs a decent sunscreen that doesn't smell like a beach ball, this location is a solid bet. It’s easy, it’s well-stocked, and you can grab a pair of socks on your way out. That’s a win.