As RetailMeNot shoppers are well aware, stores are making their return policies more restrictive all across the retail spectrum. Whether it’s charging return fees or restocking fees, or shortening the return window,, consumers are under pressure to decide quickly if they want to try to get their money back.. If you delay too long, you could wind up with an item gathering dust in your closet while it’s still on your credit card bill.
There is good news, though — there are still stores that allow you an incredibly long timeframe in which to return your stuff. We’re talking six months to a year, and in some cases, forever. A longer return window gives you more time to consider your purchase and make your return when it’s most convenient to you. In other words, no more stress about racing back to the store or the post office.
For those who appreciate having time to deliberate, here are the 10 best stores with the longest return policies and what to know about shopping — and returning — with them. Always double check details, as there are some exceptions to the rules, and things can change.
Costco: Pretty Much Forever
There are many reasons people are loyal to Costco, and a huge one is their incredibly generous return policy. Costco allows people to return items at any point in the future.
How long you have to return at Costco: Unlimited (some exclusions apply)
How to return: Items bought in-store must be returned to any physical Costco warehouse. If you’ve purchased online, you can either return your item to a physical store or return through the mail. Costco will even cover your return shipping fees.
Caveats: Electronics, including TVs, major appliances, computers, tablets and cell phones, only have a 90-day return window; airline tickets and live performance tickets are non-refundable.
American Eagle: Unlimited
Popular with teens, 20-somethings and everyone else who appreciates casual clothing that you can live in, American Eagle’s forever return policy is as relaxed as their fashions.
How long you have to return at AE: Unlimited
How to return: As long as you have proof of purchase, you can return your store or online purchase to an American Eagle store at any time. If you purchased it in store, you can’t return it online. However, if you purchased online, you can make a return to a physical AE location orr ship it back. If your order is eligible for free returns, then it’s no cost to you Otherwise, a $5 fee will be deducted from your refund to cover shipping costs.
Caveats: If you don’t have a receipt, you can exchange your item or get store credit for the current price. Swimsuits with the hygienic liner removed can’t be returned.
Bath & Body Works: Unlimited (for Store Credit); 90 Days for Refund
Come for the three-wick candles, stay for the delightful return policy at Bath & Body Works. They allow you to return or get a credit for any item you’re not 100% satisfied with.
How long you have to return at Bath & Body Works: Unlimited, though you will only get a refund within 90 days. After that you get a store credit.
How to return: Go to a Bath & Body Works store to make your returns. You can also return online, though you will pay for the shipping fees. If you don’t have your receipt, don’t worry — you can still get a merchandise credit at the store (you can only return items without invoices up to a total of $250).
Caveats: With a receipt, you can return your item within 90 days. After that, you will receive a store credit.
Chewy: 365 Days
Ordered something for your pet and realize it’s not right for them? Chewy gives you a whole year to return your items.
How long you have to return at Chewy: 365 days
How to return: Just Message Chewy to begin your return.
Caveats: You can’t return any prescription medications ordered for your pets.
IKEA: 365 Days
Take your time returning items from Swedish retailer IKEA — you’ve got a year to do so!
How long you have to return at IKEA: 365 days for unopened items still in the original packaging; 180 for opened ones. Mattresses must be returned within 90 days.
How to return: In some cases, you can arrange for IKEA to come pick up your item. (Contact customer support to find out more.) Otherwise you can return it to the store with your receipt and some form of photo ID. And some small items can be returned via mail.
Caveats: IKEA does not offer refunds on custom-made worktops, food, drinks, plants, cut fabric or as-is products.
Kohl’s: 180 Days
Kohl’s offers a customer-friendly 180 days to return items and they’ll help find your receipt for you.
How long you have to return at Kohl’s: 180 days. (Some exclusions apply.)
How to return: Any items purchased at Kohl’s stores have to be returned to the store, too. You’ll need to have your receipt, but if you don’t, customer service can help track yours down. If you don’t have a receipt and a record can’t be found, you can receive a merchandise credit. Online items can either be brought back to a Kohl’s store near you, or returned by mail. You’ll have to pay the shipping fee.
Caveats: Most items can be returned as late as six months out, but if you have purchased certain electronics or watches, you must return those within 30 days, with all the original packaging. Any beauty items have to be returned within 60 days.
L.L.Bean: A Year
You have a whole year to return your gear to Freeport, Maine’s one and only L.L. Bean, and even longer if your item is defective.
How long you have to return at L.L. Bean: 365 days
How to return: Return your items to one of their physical stores, or mail back via UPS or US mail. You need proof of purchase to make a return. You will be charged $6.50 for return shipping.
Caveats: There are very few restrictions on L.L. Bean’s customer-friendly return policy. Even after one year, if you have an item that is defective, you may still be eligible for a refund.
Nordstrom: Unlimited
Boasting one of the most well-known and well-loved return policies around, Nordstom says their “ultimate goal [is] making our customers happy,” and will refund most items with no time period stipulated.
How long you have to return at Nordstrom: Unlimited. (Some caveats apply.)
How to return: You can return to a Nordstrom store, or get a QR code for a return via UPS or FedEx. If you wish to get a refund but don’t have proof of purchase, you’ll be given a Nordstrom gift card for the item’s current price. (Note: If you don’t have a receipt, the store may still be able to find your purchases, so ask them for their help.)
Caveats: There are a few items that must be returned with the tags on, including special-occasion dresses and some designer items. Look for the tag saying “If the tag is removed the garment cannot be returned.”
Sam’s Club: Unlimited
Like fellow warehouse club Costco, Sam’s Club offers their members a generous return policy.
How long you have to return at Sam’s Club: Unlimited (with certain exceptions)
How to return: Bring your item back to a Sam’s Club with a receipt, or return by mail. (You will have to pay for your return shipping fees.) They ask that you return your product with everything it came with, including all packaging, parts, instruction manuals, and accessories to ensure you’ll get the full refund back.
Caveats: You must be a current member to make a return. Many items can be returned at any point, but some, such as electronics and major appliances only have a 90 day window. Cell phones have to be turned back in within 14 days. Gift cards, tickets and prescriptions can’t be returned.
Zappos: A Year
Order shoes, boots or slippers from Zappos — then take your sweet time returning them — as in a full 365 days.
How long you have to return at Zappos: One year.
How to return: Amazon-owned Zappos makes returning items very simple. Just return your unworn items in their original packaging — with any and all tags still on, for a full refund, including free shipping, within 365 days of purchase. You can also return without a shipping box at a Whole Foods Market.
Caveats: Final sale and as-is items are not eligible for returns.
Have you heard about Happy Returns? See if your favorite store participates in Happy Returns and if so, you may be able to drop off return items at a “return bar” with zero hassle.
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