Jun 18, 2019
Some people put a great deal of thought into gift giving, while others just grab whatever's on the end of the aisle at the drugstore. Either way, the recipient can end up loving the present — or finding it just doesn't fit, isn't useful or is so awful that the wrapping paper ought to be put back on and sealed up super tight.
If you got a present that has you saying "Thanks, but really no thanks," plenty of major retailers are willing to help you return or exchange your unwanted gifts with minimal headaches.
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Here are the five stores that have the best return policies.
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1. Nordstrom
At Nordstrom, you'll probably be able to return any item as long as it has tags and you have a receipt.
Nordstrom is a great place to shop for high-end gifts, and the store accepts most returns with a receipt.
Officially, Nordstrom doesn’t have a time limit on returns but instead says it handles them “on a case-by-case basis.” And, since the retailer says its “ultimate objective” is making its customers happy, you’ll probably be able to return any item as long as it has tags and you have a receipt.
You can make arrangements for your returns online or by phone, and you can mail in your items if there’s no store near you.
If you’re returning a gift with a receipt, you'll be given a gift card worth the item's value. If you bought the item yourself, you can get a refund credited back to your original payment method or put onto a Nordstrom gift card.
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2. Bed Bath & Beyond
Bed Bath & Beyond gives store credit for returns up to 365 days after the purchase date, even without a receipt.
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At Bed Bath & Beyond, you can exchange practically any item or return it for store credit up to 365 days after the purchase date, even without a receipt.
Just make sure to bring the card you used to buy it (or the number from the gift registry), and the store will track it for you. For returns with a gift receipt, you can exchange the item or receive store credit for it.
BB&B makes a few exceptions: Monogrammed or personalized items can be returned only if they’re defective; hoverboards and electric scooters must be unopened; and baby items should be unused and in their original condition and packaging.
3. L.L. Bean
Returns are wicked easy at New England-based retailer L.L. Bean.
L.L. Bean’s return policy is wicked easy, as they say in New England! The outdoorsy retailer based in Freeport, Maine, doesn’t require a receipt, doesn’t put a time limit on returns and doesn’t distinguish between gifts and regular purchases.
L.L. Bean places restrictions only on returns of ammunition and items that have been lost or damaged due to “fire, flood, or natural disasters" — or “pet” accidents, like if your dog visibly destroyed its new collar. In other words, most returns should go off without a hitch.
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Having a receipt ensures you’ll get the full value of the item. If you don’t have a receipt, the store will work with you to track the original purchase information, and you’ll get store credit. You also can return items easily by mail — just make the arrangements online or by calling the company.
4. J.C. Penney
J.C. Penney has virtually no time limit on returns in most states.
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J.C. Penney has a very return-friendly policy that has no time limit in most states. If you bought the item and you bring in the original receipt, you’ll get the same value credited back, on the original form of payment. If you have a gift receipt, J.C. Penney will let you exchange the gift or will give you store credit in the same amount.
J.C. Penney does limit fine jewelry to 60-day returns and puts a 30-day limit on appliances, electronics and furniture.
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And while the chain prefers taking merch back with receipts, if you return something and don't have the paperwork, you’ll still get a credit voucher in the amount of the item’s lowest price from the last 45 days.
5. Macy’s
Macy's still has a relatively easy return policy — within limits.
Department store giant Macy’s is a perennial favorite for holiday shopping — and for years, it had the best return policy around. But after too many people abused the store’s nearly unlimited returns, Macy’s updated its rules.
Macy’s now offers a 180-day return window for most items, but there are a few exceptions.
Apple iPhones and goods from designer brands such as Burberry, Gucci, Longchamp, Louis Vuitton and Tous (with tags attached, of course) can be returned, but only within 14 days. You have 30 days to return or exchange watches, jewelry and glasses; and 60 days for small appliances and personal care products.
But many items purchased between November 1 and December 31 may be returned as late as January 31.
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Esther was formerly a freelance contributor to Moneywise.
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