40 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 something you bought online in-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 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. However, here are some 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 payment options 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.
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 are happy to take online returns in their stores.
SEE ALSO: 2023 Retail Returns Statistics & Behavior Report
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.
| Store | Return Time Frame | Other Details |
|---|---|---|
| Abercrombie & Fitch | 30 days | Refund after 30 days in form of merchandise credit |
| Ace Hardware | 30 days | May vary by location |
| Advance Auto Parts | 45 days |
Select items are nonrefundable Select items subject to 15% restocking fee |
| American Eagle Outfitters | No limit | Shipping is not refundable |
| Apple | 14 days | Select items are ineligible |
| AutoZone | 90 days | If no receipt, must contact customer support for transaction information |
| Bath & Body Works | No limit | Some exclusions may apply |
| Best Buy | Varies |
Best Buy Totaltech members may have longer return periods Restocking fees may apply |
| Bloomingdale's |
30 days 90 days |
Special return policies may apply |
| Costco | Varies | Select items ineligible for returns |
| CVS | 60 days | Select health care, home health, and personal care products can't be returned |
| Dick's Sporting Goods | Varies | Requires proof of purchase barcode or order confirmation email |
| Dillard's | 30 days | Exclusions apply |
| DSW | Varies | DSW VIP members may have longer return periods |
| Forever 21 | 60 days | Some exclusions apply |
| GameStop |
7 days (used) 15 days (new) |
Some exclusions apply |
| Gap/Athleta/Banana Republic/Old Navy |
30 days 60 days (Athleta) |
Excludes mail only, Instagram Shop, and Facebook Shop purchases |
| Guess | 30 days | Some exclusions apply |
| H&M | 30 days | Some exclusions apply |
| Home Depot |
30 days 90 days |
Some exclusions apply |
| IKEA | 365 days | Some exclusions apply |
| J.Crew | 30 days | Some exclusions apply |
| JCPenney | 60 days | Returns without a receipt may be eligible for a merchandise return voucher at the item's lowest selling price within the last 45 days |
| Kohl's | Varies | Some exclusions apply |
| Lowe's | 90 days | Some exclusions apply |
| Macy's | 90 days | Some exclusions apply |
| Michaels | 60 days | Excludes certain online-only items |
| Neiman Marcus | 30 days | Some exclusions apply |
| Nike | 60 days | Some exclusions apply |
| Nordstrom | Varies | Returns are done on a case-by-case basis |
| Sephora | 60 days | Some exclusions apply |
| Sunglass Hut | 30 days | Some exclusions apply |
| T.J.Maxx | 40 days | Some exclusions apply |
| Target | 90 days | Those paying with a Target RedCard get a longer return period |
| Urban Outfitters | 30 days | Some exclusions apply |
| Victoria's Secret | Varies | Some exclusions apply |
| Walgreens | 30 days | Some exclusions apply |
Another Way to Return Something You Bought Online 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.
PayPal 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 or FedEx Office 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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