51 Retailers That Let You Buy Online and Return In-Store

Most of us know how easy it can be to go on a shopping spree online, but what happens when an item arrives and it's not what you expected? Returns are usually a viable option, but shipping an order back to the retailer can be a hassle, especially if the product won't fit in your mailbox.

Can you return an online order to a store instead? Fortunately, many retailers allow you to buy online and return in-store, although there are some caveats. Before venturing out to a local shop, read their return policy to see if you can return online orders in person and what kinds of requirements you'll have to meet.

Check out our list below of some of the top retailers that allow you to use this method to buy and return items.

What Is 'Buy Online, Return In-Store'?

"Buy online, return in-store" is a policy that allows shoppers to purchase items online and then return them in-store, rather than having to ship them back via a carrier like UPS, FedEx, or the U.S. Postal Service.

For the most part, this policy is only applicable to stores that have physical locations. That includes national chains like Home Depot, Walmart, Best Buy, and others. However, some online-focused retailers have agreements with brick-and-mortar stores to allow easier returns for customers. Think Amazon shoppers being able to return Amazon items to Kohl's, for instance.

What to Know About Returning Online Orders to a Store

Have you been asking yourself, "How do I return an online purchase to a store?" For the retailers that allow in-store returns, the process is usually pretty close to — if not the exact same as — returning something you purchased in the store. But here are things to keep in mind before you initiate that return:

• You must return all items in original condition. This often means they must be in original packaging and with original tags intact. Anything that appears used will likely be refused.
• Some retailers only allow in-store returns for certain items you buy, while other items must be returned by mail. Take a close look at the company's return policy to check.
• Shipping costs are typically nonrefundable.
• You need the invoice that was included in your package. If you don't have it, you may be able to find it through your store account online. If you can't find your invoice, you'll likely only get store credit.
• Most stores only accept returns within 30 to 60 days. Some are more or less lenient than others, and some retailers may have varying policies for different product categories.
• Some stores have a restocking fee for returns. It's more common for electronics than other types of goods.
• Clearance and customized items are often nonrefundable.
• You typically can't return an item purchased in one country to a retail location in another country.
• Different forms of payment may have different return policies. Check the fine print before paying via a system like PayPal or a "buy now, pay later" option like Klarna.

51 Retailers That Let You Buy Online and Return In-Store

To find out whether a retailer allows customers to return an online order in-store, you'll want to check the company's return policy. It should tell you how to return online orders, but if the policy isn't clear, contact the customer service department. To make the process easier, we've put together a list of major retailers that accept online returns in-stores.

SEE ALSO: Here's Every Major Store's Holiday Return Policy

This list obviously doesn't include every retailer that accepts online returns in-store. If you're hoping to return an online purchase to a retailer that isn't on this list, check the company's return policy to see if it's possible before you write it off entirely.

Another Way to Return Online Orders In-Store

While some retailers offer in-store returns, others might not be able to because they're only online or have a very limited number of physical locations. But that doesn't mean you're out of luck. Happy Returns is a solution to this issue, and while it's not available everywhere, it's definitely growing.

UPS powers the service, and you can find a Return Bar near you before you start your return. Return Bars are often located in other stores, such as Staples, The UPS Store, or Petco locations. But the process tends to be pretty simple. For one return, this writer didn't even have to repackage the item being returned to the store. Your mileage may vary on that front, though. What shouldn't vary is how easy using Happy Returns is — and because of that, this writer highly recommends this return method if it's available to you.

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