Almost everyone has experienced receiving a gift that didn’t quite match their taste or size. Fortunately, many retailers are making returns more convenient this holiday season. While online shoppers are legally entitled to a 14-day return window, brick-and-mortar stores have more flexibility in setting their policies.
Major retailers are extending their usual return periods to accommodate post-holiday returns. H&M has increased their standard 30-day return window to 45 days for items purchased before December 24th. Similarly, Sportisimo is allowing returns until the end of January for Christmas purchases, with club members enjoying an extended 90-day return period.
However, smaller physical stores often have stricter policies, either not accepting returns at all or only offering exchanges. Experts recommend checking return policies before making purchases. For online purchases, the process is more straightforward – consumers have 14 days to notify the seller of their intention to return, which can be done via email, form, or mail.
Contrary to popular belief, original packaging isn’t always necessary for returns, particularly for online purchases. While physical stores may set their own requirements, e-commerce retailers cannot legally require original packaging for returns.
Some e-commerce giants are also joining the trend of extended holiday returns. Alza, for instance, is accepting returns until the end of January for Christmas purchases.