The gifts have been exchanged and some may have missed the mark. Instead of saving them for regifting next year, you can head to the store to return them. But the return and exchange rules all depend on the stores and what exactly is being returned.
The National Retail Federation expects more than $890 billion worth of returns this year. That will account for about 16.9% of the annual sales this year.
“Returns play an important role within the retail ecosystem and offer an additional touchpoint for retailers to provide a positive interaction with their customers,” NRF Vice President of Industry and Consumer Insights, Catherine Cullen, said. “Retailers recognize the value of returns and their integration with brand loyalty, and many are prioritizing their returns capacity to ensure a seamless customer experience.”
The return period can go from a few days to an entire month or more for most items. Here’s an overview of the policies of selected major retailers.
Amazon is allowing returns on most items through Jan. 31 if they were bought from Nov. 1 through Dec. 31. One caveat is Apple-branded products. That deadline is Jan. 15.
Apple’s holiday return deadline is Jan. 8 for items purchased from Nov. 8 to Dec. 25.
Best Buy has a shorter window of Jan. 14 for items purchased from Nov. 1 through Dec. 31. Some items such as those purchased with a third-party contract or holiday decorations are not returnable.
BJs Wholesale Club has a one-year return window for most items. Electronics have a 90-day window unless they were damaged, then it is only 14 days.
Costco will refund the purchase price of almost anything you buy at the store, except electronics, diamonds, cigarettes, alcohol, batteries, special orders, tickets, and gift cards.
Dick’s Sporting Goods has a 90-day return policy. If you have a receipt, you’ll get the money back based on the initial form of payment. No receipt — store credit for the lowest selling price of the item. Store credit must be used in-store.
The Home Depot’s return policy depends on what was purchased, and how it was purchased. It has a blanket 90-day return window for most items. But if you bought an item on a Home Depot-brand credit card you have a year. Plants have a 90-day return period. Furniture, gas-powered equipment and tractors are 30 days, along with electronics, portable generators and paint sprayers. Appliances however have a 48-hour return window.
HomeGoods items can be returned until Jan. 25 if they were purchased between Oct. 6 through Dec. 24.
HomeSense will accept exchanges for items purchased from Sept. 26 through Jan 21 or a refund on a gift card. For a regular return for cash, it will have to be returned within 28 days of purchase and be accompanied by the receipt. If you have a gift receipt, you’ll get a gift card. The deadline is Jan. 21.
Kohl’s has a 90-day return window without a receipt and a 120-day window for items purchased on a Kohl’s Card for most items.
Lowe’s also has a 90-day return policy on most items, but like its competitor, items purchased on a Lowe’s credit card have a 365-day return period, while other items have a 30-day or 48-hour window.
Macy’s also has a Jan. 31 deadline for most items purchased from Oct. 7 to Dec. 31. The items must be in the “original, saleable condition with original tags.” Items purchased in a store must be returned to a store but ones bought online can be returned to a store or done online.
Marshall’s will accept items purchased from Oct. 10 through Dec. 24 until Jan. 25.
Ross Dress for Less has a 30-day refund when accompanied by the original receipt. If you don’t have a receipt, you’ll get store credit or an exchange.
Sam’s Club has a “return at any time” on most products. Electronics and major appliances have a 90-day window while commercial heavy equipment and motorsports items have a 30-day window. Cell phones have to be returned within 14 days.
Target has a 90-day return policy for most unopened, new items. Some items have a different return policy which is marked on the receipt, the company said.
TJ Maxx’s return window runs through Jan. 25 for items purchased between Oct. 6 and Dec. 24.
Walmart will allow returns for most items purchased online or in-store from Oct. 1 through Dec. 31 until Jan. 31.
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