How to do a return, refund from 14 stores and online retailers
Retailers brace for slew of returns as holiday shopping winds down
With the holiday shopping season ending for many on Christmas, the return season is getting underway for retailers.
Straight Arrow News
Did you forget to return or exchange a certain Christmas gift? You probably still have time. But whether it was a present from Santa or just some retail therapy, it’s important to know a store’s policy.
Here’s a look at the return policies for some of the most popular stores and online retailers:
Academy issues refunds within 60 days of purchase. You can return merch for a refund, credit, or exchange. Bring your receipt for in-store purchases. If you don’t have it, Academy will attempt to verify the purchase if it was made with a credit or debit card and make sure to bring your ID. For online purchases, bring a packing slip. If you don’t have one, Academy will try to help you get a copy.
How to make a return on Amazon
If you need to return or replace an item, visit “Your Orders” on your Amazon account and select “Return or Replace Items” on the relevant order. You may return most new, unopened items sold and fulfilled by Amazon within 30 days of delivery for a full refund. There are some holiday extensions. Kohl’s will also help you return Amazon items.
Refunds can only be made within 30 days, unless it’s a holiday gift, in which case the refund period is extended. All returned items must be in their original condition; shrink-wrapped or sealed products must be unopened. Shipping fees are not refunded. You must have a receipt.
Items bought online or in-store can be exchanged or refunded within 60 days of purchase with valid proof. For holiday items bought between Nov. 1-30, you have until Feb. 1. You may still be able to return something past the 60 days, but it will be at the lowest sale price and you may be asked for ID.
How to make a return at Bath & Body Works
Refunds can be made by bringing your merchandise with receipt to Bath & Body Works within 30 days. Without your receipt, you can still get a refund, but at the lowest sale price. For online orders, you have 14 days to return your products and you will have to go through the online process.
How to make a return at Best Buy
Items bought in stores or online can be returned at any Best Buy location. You can also use the prepaid return label and shipping will be free. On most products the return/exchange period is 14 days, but during the holiday period, you have until Jan. 14. There may be a restocking fee. For more info, go to bestbuy.com.
How to make a return at Costco
Products bought at Costco returned at the returns counter at any Costco warehouse. Items ordered online can be returned at any Costco warehouse or you can initiate a return through costco.com. Electronics may be returned within 30 days.
How to make a return at DICK’S Sporting Goods
DICK’S and its affiliates like Golf Galaxy offers a 90-day return policy on most products. Returns with valid proof of purchase will receive a refund based. Returns without valid proof may be returned using a valid ID and you’ll receive a store credit for the lowest selling price. Some items are not available for returns. For more info, go to dickssportinggoods.com.
How to make a return on Etsy
Etsy sellers aren’t required to accept returns, exchanges, or provide a refund unless stated in the return policy on their listing. Be sure to settle these details in a message to the seller. If there’s an issue like the item cam late, damaged, or it’s the wrong material or color, you may want to open a case with Etsy if you cannot get in contact with the seller. You can do so at help.etsy.com.
How to make a return at Game Stop
Unopened, new products may be returned to Game Stop within 15 days of purchase. Pre-owned products can be returned within seven days. Products bought during the holiday season can be returned with receipt by Jan. 18. Online orders may be returned in-store without a fee, and shipped returns will incur a fee of about $9.
How to make a return at Old Navy
Old Navy offers returns/exchanges must be returned within 30 days of the delivery date or purchase in-store. Holiday items can be returned Jan. 15. Proof of purchase is required. Online items can be returned in-store unless marked “return by mail only.”
How to make a return at Target
Most unopened items sold by Target in new condition and returned within 90 days will receive a refund or exchange. The return window for items sold online starts once the order has been invoiced. Electronics and entertainment items must be returned within 30 days with Apple and Beats products needing to be returned within 14 days. Online orders can be returned online or at stores. Any in-store returns will require a valid receipt or return barcode.
How to make a return at Walmart
In most cases, you have 90 days to return Walmart items. Some exceptions include 30 days for consumer electronics, vacuums and floor care items, and electric bicycles. In addition to in-store and mail-in returns, you can also do curbside returns in the same spots where shoppers do curbside pick-ups. If you don’t have a receipt, Walmart can try to look up store purchases with a debit/credit card or online orders with a phone number or email. You can also search for your store receipt online.
How to make a return at Sam’s Club
Sam’s Club offers returns on most items at any time. Some exceptions include within 90 days on electronics and 30 days on commercial heavy equipment. You can either return your item at any store or ship it back. Items bought online can be returned at stores if that’s your preference. Shipping and delivery charges will be refunded or credited only if the return is a result of an error by Sam’s Club or if the item was damaged during shipping.
Miguel Legoas is a Deep South Connect Team Reporter for Gannett/USA Today. Find him on X and Instagram @miguelegoas and email at mlegoas@gannett.com.
