Return Policies for Major Stores

Before you lug all that unwanted merchandise to your local mall, check out the return polices for these major stores. Some stores require your ID for returns.

• Apple: "Items purchased at the Apple Online Store that are received between November 10, 2016 and December 25, 2016, may be returned through January 8, 2017," according to the Apple website. Gifts can be exchanged for Apple store credit.
• Athleta: Items can be returned anytime. The store encourages customers to work out in their clothing item and return the item if they still don't like it.
• Barnes & Noble: Purchases made between November 14 and December 31 can be refunded or exchanged through the end of January. Store credit or a gift card will be issued for returns with a gift receipt.
• Bass Pro Shops: Returns can be made within 60 days of in-store, online and catalog purchases. Government-issued ID is needed for returns without a receipt.
• Bed Bath and Beyond: With the original receipt, you can get a full refund or an exchange at any store nationwide. Without a receipt, you can get 80 percent of the item's value in store credit or in an exchange.
• Best Buy: "Almost every purchase made throughout November and December can be returned through January 15, 2017," according to their website. Gifts can be returned for store credit. ID is required for returns
• Carson's: A full refund will only be issued with the original receipt. An exchange or store credit is available with a gift receipt. If you don't have a receipt, returns are possible for purchases under $250 made within 60 days.

• H & M: Unwashed and unworn merchandise bought in stores can be returned within 30 days with the receipt OR your Government-issued ID. Swimwear, underwear, and cosmetics cannot be returned. Online purchases can be returned by mail.
• The Gap, Old Navy and Banana Republic: According to the company website, "items purchased online or in stores between Nov 1st and Dec 24th may be returned by Jan 15th, or 45 days after purchase, whichever is later." Items returned with a gift receipt will be exchanged for a gift card of equal value.
• J.C. Penny: Refunds are available for items returned with a receipt. Store credit or a gift card will be issued for returns made with a gift receipt or with no receipt.
• Kohl’s: Exchanges or refunds are available with a receipt or if you used a Kohl's card or a major credit card. Store credit will be issued for returns without a receipt. There is no time limit, but ID may be required.
• Macy’s: Refunds can be made with a receipt within one year of purchase. Without a receipt, you can get a gift card for the item’s lowest sales price within the last 180 days.
• Sears: Most items purchased between November 1 and December 24 can be returned until the end of January. Major items such as floor care equipment, vacuums, major home appliances, sewing machines, water treatment, plumbing, heating equipment, and mattresses are not covered by the extended holiday return policy.
• Target: The return period for most items is 90 days after purchase. Items returned with a gift receipt will be exchanged for a Target gift card of equal value. Electronics, including laptops, eReaders, tablets, cameras, camcorders, digital audio players, GPS systems, video game hardware and personal DVD players, purchased between November 1 and December 25, can be returned until January 24. Drones can only be returned within 14 days.
• Toys R Us: Most items can be returned within 90 days of purchase. Returns with a gift receipt can be made for store credit. ID is required for returns.
• Walmart: The regular return period is 90 days. Specialty items purchased since November 1 can be returned within 15 or 30 days of December 26. Check their website for restrictions. Returns under $25 without a receipt can be refunded for cash. Refunds over $25 without a receipt can be made for store credit. ID is required for returns without a receipt.

Inspiration and information for this post came from Deb Belt's post on the Annapolis, Maryland Patch.

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