SAN ANTONIO – This holiday season, it’s almost guaranteed that you’ll either get or give a gift that will end up in the to-be-returned pile. But store policies vary widely, so returning stuff might not be so easy. Consumer Reports checked out a number of major retailers’ return policies and found the five best and the five worst.
Nordstrom and LL Bean allow returns of all their merchandise with no time limit and no receipt required. LL Bean will even accept well-used items if you’re not satisfied and will give you a store credit or an exchange. Bed Bath & Beyond, Costco and JC Penney also have no time limit on returns and no receipt is required. But not all merchandise qualifies. Check out their exceptions online.
Some stores have really restrictive return policies. You may only have 30 days or less to return the item and the retailer will likely insist on a receipt. Among the most restrictive return policies are Kmart, Sears, Forever 21, GameStop and Barnes & Noble. Keep in mind, Barnes & Noble won’t take back anything that has been opened. Kmart also will refuse to take back opened movies, video games and music.
Many of the retailers with restrictive policies relax them for gift returns during the holidays. To get details on any particular store’s return policy, check out its website. The policy, including holiday exceptions, is spelled out there.