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Walmart’s return policy reverting back in just days – and ‘headache free’ shopping will now be over

Walmart's return policy reverting back in just days - and 'headache free’ shopping will now be over

Walmart’s return policy reverting back in just days – and ‘headache free’ shopping will now be over

WALMART had temporarily altered its return policy for the convenience of shoppers but will soon revert it.

In just a few days, the retail giant will undo the holiday return policy that made bringing back Christmas gifts simple.

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Walmart’s updated holiday return policy will soon revert back (Getty)

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Walmart’s holiday return policy makes it easy for shoppers to return gifts (Getty)

As the end of January nears, the holiday season, filled with family time and gift-giving, is officially over.

With holiday purchases returned at a much higher rate than regular purchases, retailers like Walmart have their hands full at customer service.

Around 16% of all holiday retail sales, or a whopping $160 billion, were projected to be returned this year.

Due to such a high quantity of holiday returns, Walmart preemptively switched up its policy to provide customers with a more seamless return experience.

The retailer announced its updated return policy on December 9 last year, making its returns as “easy and convenient as its shopping experience.”

The retail giant offered customers more time to return holiday purchases, extending its return window and reducing the stress of buying the perfect gifts.

Walmart’s Return Policy

Walmart has restrictions on when items can be returned for a refund.

2 days:

14 days:

  • Electronics:
    • Computers
    • Computer and video game hardware
    • Printers (excluding 3D printers)
    • Camcorders
    • Digital cameras
    • GPS units
    • Digital music players
    • Tablets
    • E-readers
    • Portable video players
    • Drones
    • Pre-paid and post-paid cell phones
  • Luxury items:
    • New and preowned apparel above $300
    • Fine art
    • Loose gems and gemstones
    • Jewelry and watches above $300
    • Collectibles (E.g., coins, stamps)
    • Memorabilia

30 days:

  • AppleCare+ and Walmart Protection Plans
  • Cooling & Heating Appliances
  • Consumer Electronics
  • Electric Bicycles/Scooters
  • Hoverboards
  • PCs and PC Components
  • Verizon Postpaid Wireless Phones
  • Vacuums

60 days:

  • Contact Lenses
  • Hearing Aids
  • Prescription Glasses
  • Prescription Contacts

90 days:

  • Most items not listed among the exceptions including home and garden equipment and photo products

Non-returnable:

  • Firearms/Ammo
  • Medication/Medical Devices
  • Adult Toys
  • Gold Bars
  • Pepper spray
  • Gas-Powered Vehicles like Dirt Bikes
  • Tires
  • Trading Card (including unopened)
  • Any Digital/Video Game Cards

As part of the “headache-free” policy, items bought in-store or online from October 1 through December 31 are returnable until Friday, January 31 – giving consumers just 10 days left to bring back their unwanted merchandise.

Walmart also announced a “Holiday Guarantee,” promising that shoppers would be able to return or exchange most items sold by Walmart and Marketplace sellers.

Paying Walmart Plus subscribers can also take advantage of the retailer’s time-saving Walmart Plus Returns from Home perk.

Through the benefit, members can make returns straight from their doorstep without a box or return label.

Walmart’s Bold New Logo: A 17-Year Transformation

SHIFTING POLICIES

Several other retail giants altered their return policies to accommodate the high volume of returns brought on by the holiday season.

For example, Target’s typical return window is 90 days, but the store set specific criteria for electronics and entertainment items bought during the holidays.

Starting on December 26, purchases made between November 7 and December 24 had a 30-day refund period.

This gives Target customers until January 24, 2025, to receive their refunds for electronics and entertainment items.

The revised policy excluded Apple products, Beats products, and mobile phones, which had a return deadline of January 8, 2025.

Amazon also extended its returns for the 2024 holiday season

Most purchases made from November 1 through December 31 can be returned through January 31, 2025.

However, Apple products bought within the purchase window had to be returned by January 15, 2025.

Kohl’s likewise revised its return policy to accommodate holiday shoppers.

Premium electronics and watches typically must be returned within 30 days and beauty purchases within 60 days.

During the holidays, premium electronics, watches, and Sephora at Kohl’s items bought after November 1 can be returned until January 31.

Walmart’s return policy isn’t the only thing the chain has recently switched up.

The VP promised changes to Walmart’s delivery and pickups as the company revealed it’s designing new systems.

Plus, the Walmart CEO revealed how the chain is using artificial intelligence to plan store changes – and it’s been used for over 1,700 locations.

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Over $150 billion in holiday retail sales is projected to be returned for the 2024 holiday season (Getty)