Retailers Extend Return Deadlines for Holiday Buys, With Some Conditions

Following the festive season, it's now the time when many revisit stores to return gifts. Significant numbers have been reported, with the National Retail Federation and UPS's Happy Returns division predicting about one-sixth of holiday purchases will be sent back.

The customary return periods—often 30 or 90 days—don't always align well with holiday shopping dynamics since many gifts aren't opened until the end of December. Acknowledging this, major sellers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target are extending their return policies until January's conclusion.

Costco remains an exception due to its already consumer-friendly return guidelines. Simultaneously, there's a trend of introducing fees for certain items, notably online purchases, and there are special conditions for particular products.

Amazon

Amazon's extension allows most items bought in November and December to be returned by January 31. However, Apple products follow a shorter period, needing return by January 15. While typically offering a 30-day window, Amazon often provides gratis return shipping for many purchases, yet may charge extra for belated, damaged, or special restocking cases.

Walmart

Walmart follows suit by adjusting its 90-day policy for goods bought in October. Returns are accepted until January 31 for Walmart purchases made from October 1 onwards. Purchases from third-party sellers and items such as electronics or mobiles typically have stricter timelines. Additionally, members of Walmart Plus can use curbside or home pickup services.

Target

Though Target keeps its usual 90-day return timeline, it modifies shorter allowances for gadgets and mobiles. Purchases from November 1 to December 24 have return rights extending to January 24, and for devices by brands like Apple and Beats, until January 8. Target’s exclusive labels, however, boast a one-year satisfaction coverage, with returns accessible through various convenient means.

Best Buy

Extending from its 15-day standard, Best Buy enables returns until January 15 for October 31 to December 31 acquisitions. Activated gadgets keep a 14-day limit, paired with a $45 restocking cost. Other items such as cameras and scooters could attract a 15% fee, depending on the state after opening.

Kohl's

Mirroring Walmart, Kohl's permits returns until January's end for purchases starting from October 5. Items from Sephora see eligibility dating back to October 31. In-store returns come free, but shipment costs fall on the consumer’s shoulders.

Macy's

With a regular 30-day policy, Macy's expands returns to January 31 for purchases from October 6 through December 31. Exemptions include Last Act sale items and specific brands, such as Dyson and Mac Duggal. While store returns are free, online orders incur a $9.99 fee deducted from refunds.

TJX Brands

TJX's chains like TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Home Goods, and Sierra, standardly allow 30 days but now accept returns till January 25 for certain October to December buys. Store credit is available for gift returns with a receipt, pointing out that returns must happen within the same store family.

Products must be unused and suitable for reselling. Mail returns by February 4 incur an $11.99 fee.