Are you still holding on to holiday gifts that you haven’t returned? It’s time to take action, as many major return deadlines are approaching quickly.
January typically marks one of the busiest periods for retail returns in the year, following the Christmas season. Recently, return activity has risen in the U.S., with retailers expecting that about 16.9% of sales in 2024 will likely be returned, a substantial increase from just over 8% in 2019, according to a National Retail Federation report.
The convenience of online shopping often leads consumers to buy items they are uncertain about, frequently resulting in multiple purchases of the same item in different sizes or styles with the intention of returning what they do not want. The report indicates that return rates for online purchases are projected to be 21% higher than the overall annual return rate.
In response to the increase in returns, retailers have adjusted their return policies, shortening return windows or implementing fees to manage the volume of returns and associated costs.
However, it is common for return policies to be more lenient during the holiday season. Shopping for others can be more challenging than shopping for oneself, leading to a high volume of returns, often because gift recipients may prefer to receive cash instead.
Key Holiday Return Deadlines
If you received holiday gifts that do not suit you, it’s important to be aware of the upcoming return deadlines to avoid being stuck with items you don’t want.
Here’s a summary of return deadlines for 10 major retailers:
Amazon
Most items purchased on Amazon in November and December must be returned by Friday, January 31. Some exceptions apply, such as Apple products, which have a return deadline of January 15.
Walmart
Walmart’s extended holiday return period concludes on January 31 for most purchases made from October through December. While Walmart typically has a 90-day return policy for in-store purchases, this does not apply universally to all products.
Target
Target generally offers a 90-day return window, although this does not apply to electronics and certain other items. This year, the return deadline for electronics has been extended to January 24, though that date has now passed. Target-brand items can be returned within 365 days with a valid receipt.
Costco
Costco maintains its standard return policy during the holidays due to its already generous policy. Remember that there is a 90-day return window for electronics.
TikTok Shop
For purchases made between November 13 and December 31, TikTok Shop has set a return deadline of February 10.
Abercrombie
Items bought at Abercrombie in November and December must be returned by January 31 per the brand’s policy.
Nordstrom
Nordstrom does not specify a time limit for returns; their policy states that returns are processed on a case-by-case basis.
Macy’s
Macy’s is accepting returns for most purchases made from October 7 through December 31 until January 31.
Kohl’s
Kohl’s generally allows returns within a 180-day window, with some exclusions for electronics. For the holiday season, there is an extended return policy with a January 31 deadline for electronic items purchased from November 1 to December 25.
Sephora
Sephora’s extended holiday return window concludes on January 31, covering purchases made from November 1 to December 1. While refunds typically are granted only within 30 days, customers can still receive store credit for new or gently used items.
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