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There’s good news for procrastinators who have been sitting on returns since the holidays. There’s still time to make an exchange or get a refund but you better act soon.
In 2023, consumers returned $743 billion in merchandise, including $247 billion in online purchases, according to the National Retail Federation and consumer online data analyst Appriss Retail. With returns spiking as more people shop online, retailers are tightening their return policies. Some are charging fees while others are limiting the time and type of items that can be returned.
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Lucky for consumers, not every retailer is making it harder to return merchandise. Some are doing the opposite, including these five.
1. Costco
Known for its generous return policy, the warehouse retailer doesn't set a time limit to get a full refund for most items in its stores. Electronics and major appliances are exceptions. Those need to be returned within 90 days of purchase. Costco also has special return procedures for diamonds that are a carat and bigger.
Returns can be made in person at any Costco warehouse or online, where you can print a return label or schedule pickup.
A bonus: You don’t need a receipt. Since Costco requires a membership, your purchases in-store and online are tracked, and thus there’s no need for proof of purchase.
2. Kohl’s
This retailer will accept returns on most items purchased in-store and on Kohls.com for up to 180 days after the item was purchased, with or without a receipt. There are some exceptions including electronics and watches, which need to be returned within 30 days of purchase. Beauty purchases, including Sephora at Kohl’s, can be returned within 60 days of purchase with a valid receipt or account lookup. Items must be new or in gently used condition.
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