The day after Christmas usually sees unwanted gifts returned in their masses. Several retailers offer modified return policies over the holidays, including extended periods for returns and exchanges on certain items.
Here we look at the holiday return policies for the top retailers across the country.
Walmart
Customers typically have 90 days following the date of purchase to return or exchange unwanted items. However, the return period for most items with a return window of fewer than 90 days (that were bought or received this year from November 1 through Christmas Day) begins on December 26 in 2021.
The return policy for items from Walmart Marketplace varies. Customers are advised to check the "Details link" on the item page for more information.
Best Buy
The electronics store is offering an extended return period for items purchased from October 18, 2021 to January 2, 2022, which can be returned through January 16, 2022.
The extended policy does not apply to products bought with a third-party contract (such as "activatable devices" including cell phones, cellular tablets, mobile hotspots, and cellular wearables), AppleCare monthly plans and holiday products. Other exclusions may apply, according to the Best Buy website.
All other terms and conditions of Best Buy's return and exchange policy apply.
Target
The 30-day refund period for all electronics and entertainment items (minus Apple products) that were bought from October 1 through December 25 begins on December 26. Such items must be returned by January 24, 2022, Target says.
For all Apple products (excluding mobile phones) purchased within the same time frame, the 15-day refund period starts on December 26 and ends January 9 next year.
The 14-day refund period for cellphones bought in-store or online via order pickup from October 1 through Christmas also begins on December 26 and ends January 8 next year.
LEGO Collection x Target purchases made before Christmas will also need to be returned by January 8, while all items bought on or after December 26 will need to be returned within 14 days of their purchase date.
Holders of a RedCard (Target's credit card offering) have an extra 30 days for returns, the company said.
Costco
Costco doesn't have an extended holiday return policy. The company's existing return policy offers refunds of the purchase price for most items at any time, but certain terms and conditions apply for some products, such as electronic devices.
Electronic items have a 90-day return window "from the date the [Costco] member received the merchandise," the company says. The electronic products that fall under this 90-day return policy include the following:
- Televisions
- Projectors
- Major Appliances (refrigerators above 10 cu. ft., freezers, ranges, cooktops, over-the-range microwaves, dishwashers, water heaters, washers and dryers)
- Computers
- Touchscreen tablets
- Smart watches
- Cameras
- Aerial cameras (drones)
- Camcorders
- MP3 players
- Cell phones (return details will vary by carrier service contract)
Other restrictions apply for some other items. See the Costco websitefor more information.
Macy's
Normally, Macy's accepts most returns by mail or in stores within 90 days of purchase, free of charge.
For the holidays, Macy's is extending its return period to January 31, 2022 for all purchases starting October 5, 2021 either in-store or via the Macy's website.
Several conditions apply to this extended return policy for certain items including Apple devices, select clothing lines, fine jewelry, watches and other products. See the Macy's website for more information.
Sam's Club
Sam's Club also does not have a specific holiday return policy. Most items can be returned at any time, apart from the following exceptions:
- Electronics and major appliances: 90-day return period
- Commercial heavy equipment and motorsports items: 30-day return period
- Cell phones (prepaid, postpaid and no contract): 14-day return period.
The following items cannot be returned:
- Gift cards and prepaid cards
- Tickets
- Custom-made items, like personalized gifts and photos
- Purchases made through the Sam's Club Wholesale Trading Program
- Prescriptions
Check your local Sam's Club branch for the return policy on the following items:
- Beer, wine and spirits
- Automotive tires and batteries
- Cigarettes and tobacco
- Eyeglasses
- Hearing aids
Kohl's
The company's special holiday return policy allows "premium electronics" bought between November 1 and December 25 to be returned through January 31 in its original packaging with a valid receipt or "account lookup."
See the Kohl's website for a list of brands that are considered premium electronic items.
