The pandemic saw a peak of loosened retailers’ return policies to the delight of shoppers, but now many stores have tightened their policies after seeing a wave of return fraud.
So if you love to shop and want more liberal return policies, you have to read the fine print first.
We’ve done a lot of the legwork to get you started.
To help ensure that you and the recipients of your gifts can exchange items, consider shopping at stores like these, whose return policies are more customer-centered. We’ve summed up the rules. We link to each store’s policy so you can check the details, including exceptions and caveats.
1. Costco
Selling everything from cucumbers to caskets, Costco says it stands behind its products 100%. That means full refunds on almost anything. A caveat: Some products — mainly electronics and appliances — must be returned within 90 days of purchase for a full refund.
Exceptions include diamonds, which are subject to special terms, and cigarettes and alcohol, which may not be returned where prohibited by law.
Love shopping at Costco? See “16 Unconventional Costco Offerings Most Shoppers Don’t Even Know About.”
2. Lands’ End
The Lands’ End return policy is short and sweet. If you aren’t happy with a product, return it within 90 days for a refund or exchange.
The policy says:
“Refunds for eligible returns received within 90 days from the date your order was shipped will be issued to the original form of payment when available. “
Certain items are excluded, including anything marked “Final Sale.”
3. Ikea
Ikea is one of the best stores for customer returns.
Shoppers get one year (365 days) to make a return for a full refund — for new and unopened products.
But you must have a valid ID and a receipt. If you don’t, the store will attempt to locate your purchase in its system. Failing that, you’ll get merchandise credit equal to the lowest selling price of the purchase from the previous 365 days.
Opened products may be returned within 180 days. You’ll need proof of purchase for a full refund.
4. Bath & Body Works
If you’re looking for a sweetly scented gift, Bath & Body Works can be a good place to go.
In case the fragrance you selected from the vast selection isn’t just what you or your giftee wanted, the store has a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Return a product for any reason with a receipt for a full refund. No receipt? You’ll be issued a store credit for the lowest selling price of the item.
5. REI
REI is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. The store has a liberal return policy for REI Co-op members. In brief, you can return or exchange almost anything from the store within one year. All other customers have a return period of 90 days.
Outdoor electronics must be returned within 90 days for both members and non-members.
Tip: REI won’t take returns on items for normal wear and tear or damage caused by accidents or improper use. Used gear is covered by the policy, but must be returned within 30 days. REI Store Garage Sale (as is) purchases aren’t covered — those sales are final.
6. Athleta
A division of Gap, Athleta specializes in workout gear for women. Other stores (including other Gap brands) may only take back unwashed or unworn items, but Athleta lets you return anything for any reason within 30 days, thanks to its Give-It-a-Workout Guarantee. An exception: final sale goods.
Athleta covers the shipping cost for returns and exchanges.
7. Nordstrom
The days when Nordstrom let shoppers return anything in practically any condition for any reason are in the past. But the chain’s return policy remains one of the best around.
It says:
“We handle returns on a case-by-case basis with the ultimate objective of making our customers happy.”
You can return a purchase without a receipt, and the retailer will try to find it in its computer system. If it can’t, customers may show identification to receive a Nordstrom gift card for the current price.
8. L.L. Bean
The L.L. Bean policy says it will accept returned products that don’t live up to customer expectations within one year of purchase. But if your purchase is defective, your return window extends beyond the one-year mark:
“After one year, we will consider any items for return that are defective due to materials or craftsmanship.”
9. Macy’s
Macy’s return policy gives shoppers 30 days to take back a purchase. Returned goods must be in original, salable condition with the original tags.
There are some exceptions, including products from certain lines and manufacturers, lighting, area rugs, tech accessories and watches, wall art, foods and beverages, and furniture and mattresses. These items may have return fees or require special inspections upon exchange.
10. Kohl’s
At Kohl’s, the rules for returns can be a bit more complicated depending on the type of item going back to the store.
Items purchased with a Kohl’s card can be returned up to 120 days after the original purchase date, and items purchased with all other payment types will be accepted up to 90 days.
Some items have a shorter return window, such as premium electronics and mattresses. Baby registry items, however, can be returned up to 365 days after the purchase date.
If you don’t have a receipt for the item you’re returning, and the store can’t find one, you may get a merchandise credit based on the lowest discounted 13-week sale price of the item.
11. Target
Target’s return policy varies, depending on what you purchased, its condition and whether you paid with a Target Circle card or have a Circle 360 membership.
Most goods that are unopened and in new condition can be returned within 90 days for a refund or exchange. Read the policy and check your sales receipt or packing slip for exceptions.
Target allows up to a year to return Target-owned brands or registry purchases with a receipt.
Using your Target Circle 360 membership or your Circle card when making the purchase earns you an extra 30 days for returns.
You can use Target’s Drive Up to make a return as long as you have the store’s app. And the retailer covers shipping for mail-in returns.
12. JCPenney
JCPenney’s return policy allows you up to 60 days to get a refund or exchange for an in-store or online purchase.
There are exceptions, including personalized items, monogrammed items, body jewelry and perishable foods.
13. Bed Bath & Beyond
Bed Bath & Beyond declared bankruptcy in 2023, but still runs its app and online store, which offers exchanges and returns within 30 days of receiving the item.
You’ll pay for shipping on orders where you change your mind or don’t like the fit, but the retailer will cover return shipping for defective products.
14. Chewy
Pet retailer Chewy has a return policy that gives shoppers up to 365 days to send back most items.
If your pet won’t touch a new food or treat, Chewy will often refund you without even asking for the product back. You just donate what’s left to a shelter.
Prescription medications are an exception to the generous policy.
15. Zappos
You don’t need to worry about buying the wrong shoes online when you purchase from Zappos. The shoe retailer allows 60 days to return unused products and will pay for the return shipping.
So, if those strappy heels don’t look quite as cute on you as they did on the model, you can send them right back. Just don’t wear them to a party first; returns must be unworn and in the original packaging with original tags attached.
16. Ulta Beauty
Ulta makes the gamble of trying new beauty products less risky, giving shoppers 30 days to return most items that are in new or gently used condition.
If you miss the 30-day window, you can still return the item for store credit instead of a refund within 60 days of the purchase date.
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