Recent shoppers at Banana Republic stores may have received an extra-long receipt at checkout. A printed message at the end of the receipt describes an upcoming change to the store’s return policy: “Starting July 1, 2015, Banana Republic will only accept returns within 45 days of the original date of purchase.”
That’s 15 fewer days than the old return policy (previously you had 60 days for returns). But you may only know that you have 15 fewer days to make an in-store return if you are paying attention. The return policy for merchandise purchased in-store does not currently appear online or anywhere else.
While some retailers continue to have liberal return policies — Nordstrom, for example, is noted for having no actual written return policy and working with each customer — others have been pulling back in recent months.
In April, critics blasted Bed, Bath & Beyond for introducing a new policy that charges consumers 20 percent for any returns made without a receipt.
On the other end of the shopping spectrum, Target recently expanded its return policy on all Target branded merchandise. You have a full year to return any Target brands such as Mossimo, Ava & Viv, Nate Berkus and Threshold, without a receipt.
Again, you may never know about any of these new policies or policy changes unless you really pay attention to your receipts or take the time to read the policies online. So, here are a few things to remember when you are planning to return an item in-store.
Keep your receipt: Stores will take merchandise without a receipt, but as we know from Bed, Bath & Beyond, the penalties for returning items without one may cost you and you may have to accept a store credit instead of a refund. Also be aware that if you are asked for personal information to make a return without a receipt, your information is likely being tracked to make sure you are not a chronic returner.
Check the policy: It's a good idea to visit the store website to find the official return policy, but sometimes that isn't enough. In some cases, you will need to call the store directly. Remember that in-store return policies and online return policies may not be the same.
Be category smart: Electronics, furniture and other big-ticket items are likely to have more restrictive return policies than other general merchandise. These items may also be subjected to a restocking fee. One category that seems as though it should have heavy restrictions but does not, is beauty items and makeup. Perfume, makeup and other beauty products can all be returned at retailers like CVS, Rite Aid, Nordstrom and more, even if the packages have been opened.
Shop at the right stores: As mentioned above, certain stores are known for hassle-free or very accommodating return policies such as Anthropologie, Nordstrom, Kohl's, Costco and others. The return policies at these stores range from up to a year for returns with a receipt to no time limits at all. Stores without written return policies evaluate returns on a case-by-case basis and generally try to work with their customers to come up with a satisfactory solution.
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