Wrong size sweater? Is pumpkin spice just not your scent? Perhaps three good friends each gave you a set of ear buds? Whatever the reason, you may find yourself having to return a gift this holiday season. Some mainstream retailers — Amazon, Macy’s, Staples, T.J.Maxx and Marshalls — tweaked their return policies this year by adding or raising return-by-mail fees or shortening the return window for holiday purchases according to Consumer World’s 21st annual return policy survey.
T.J.Maxx return policy for 2023 / Photo courtesy Edgar Dworsky for Consumer World
Though some return policies are shorter this year, most stores continue to offer extended holiday return periods so gifts purchased as early as October first, such as at Walmart, can be returned until mid- to late-January.
Here are some retailers with generous regular or extended holiday return deadlines. Also, listings include return fees, if any, for purchases made online. Click on the retailer name to read its full policy.
Amazon.com
January 31, for most items shipped November 1 thru December 31. Some returns have restocking fees. Most items have at least one free return option. Amazon Haul: 15-day return window only.
Best Buy
January 14, for most purchases made between November 1 to December 31. Loyalty members generally get more time. Some restocking fees. Free returns with their shipping label.
Costco
No deadline, but 90 days for: TVs, computers, cameras, smart watches, MP3 players, cell phones, monitors, major appliances, etc. Free returns for Costco.com purchases.
Home Depot
90-day deadline most items. Others 2 to 30 days. Free returns.
Kohl’s
90- day deadline without Kohl’s card; 180-day deadline with card. Premium electronics, watches, and Sephora bought after November 1 returnable until January 31. No free return shipping.
Macy’s
90-day deadline for most returns. Holiday return deadline of January 31, for most items purchased October 7 or later, but many exceptions apply. Apple products and tech accessories bought December 2 to 24, returnable until January 7. Free mail returns for orders made by Star Rewards members only, otherwise $9.99.
Marshalls
January 25 for purchases October 6 to December 24. Online purchases return deadline is February 4. $11.99 fee deducted for postage/handling for mailed returns.
Staples
No deadline for office supplies. January 11 for electronics, and furniture bought since November 17. Free online returns.
T.J.Maxx
January 25 for purchases October 6 to December 24. $11.99 fee deducted for postage/handling for mailed returns.
Target
90 days most items. 30 days for electronics and entertainment items, 14 days for most Apple items and cell phones. Days begin December 26 for non-90-day items bought since November 7. RedCard holders get 30 extra days. Free mail returns.
Walmart
90 days most items. Major appliances: 2 days. For the following purchases made from October 1 onward, 30 days (most electronics), and 14 days for cell phones and luxury products, but count days starting December 26. Free mail returns for online purchases.
Return policy law varies state to state. Generally, a store can set up any return policy it wants, whether it is “all sales final”, “merchandise credit only”, or “all returns in 30 days.”
Many states require the policy to be clearly disclosed to the buyer prior to purchase, usually by means of a conspicuous sign. Those with a gift receipt will generally only receive an even exchange or store credit, but not cash.
Tips For Hassle-Free Returns
Don’t fight the crowds on the return lines the day after Christmas. Go back a day or two later, or better yet, see if the store provides free returns by mail.
To improve your chances of getting full credit, provide a sales slip or gift receipt, return the item in new condition, unopened, and with all packaging material.
Returns without a receipt are subject to the posted return policy, which might result in your receiving only a merchandise credit for the lowest price the item has sold for recently, or possibly no refund or exchange at all.
Check if online purchases are subject to any return fees. If possible, return those purchases to a retailer’s brick and mortar location or free drop-off spots to avoid those charges and/or the cost of postage.
Consumers who have a problem returning a gift, should first contact the store manager or customer service department of the retailer.
If a satisfactory resolution is not obtained, then file a complaint with the Colorado Attorney General’s office. Look for the form in the Products and Services section.