Which Stores Have the Best Return Policies?

Before you click "buy now," there's one question you should always ask: what if I need to return this? The stores with the best return policy make returns effortless. The worst make you regret ever shopping there.

When you're ordering three sizes to find the perfect fit or shopping a major sale, knowing you have a generous return window makes all the difference. A good return policy isn't just a safety net, it's what makes strategic shopping possible, whether you're buying a new shirt or a new smart appliance.

What Makes a Return Policy "Good"?

Not all return policies are created equal. Some retailers give you 90 days and ask no questions. Others give you 14 days, charge return fees, and accept nothing without tags attached. Here's what separates the best from the rest:

Return window length matters most. Thirty days is standard, but the stores with the longest return window stretch to 60 or even 90 days. The 90-day window starts from the date of purchase for in-store buys, giving you three full months to decide. For online orders, most retailers count from the delivery date, not the shipping date, which is crucial when your package sits on your porch for a few days before you even open it.

Receipt requirements can make or break your experience. Most stores can look up your purchase if you paid with a card, but having proof makes everything faster. Some retailers require original receipts for full refunds, while others will still work with you but offer store credit instead.

Worn item policies vary dramatically. Premium activewear brands often let you test products during actual workouts. At Athleta, their "Give-it-a-Workout Guarantee" means customers can work out in gear and return it if it doesn't perform within 30 days. Most clothing retailers, however, require items to be unworn and unwashed with all tags attached.

Product categories have different rules. Beauty products have different rules—many stores like Target and Ulta accept opened makeup and skincare if you're not satisfied, while others don't. Electronics typically need to be in original packaging with all accessories. Children's toys, furniture, and kitchenware usually require items to be unopened or unused, though some retailers make exceptions if something arrives damaged or defective.

Refund method and fees add up quickly. Free returns save you money. A $7 fee deducted from your refund hits hard when you're returning multiple items. The best return policy for clothes makes returns completely free, whether you mail them back or return in-store.

Understanding these factors helps you shop smarter. When you know which stores support your shopping style, whether that's buying multiple sizes, shopping sales, or just needing time to decide, you can buy with confidence.

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The Winners: Stores with the Best Return Policies

Best for No-Questions-Asked Returns: Nordstrom

Nordstrom handles returns on a case-by-case basis with the ultimate goal of making customers happy, and states there is typically no time limit for returns or exchanges. This flexibility is rare in retail and truly lives up to the hype. Whether you bought designer shoes that didn't work out or a dress you've reconsidered, or even high-end kitchenware, Nordstrom will work with you.

Returning items at Nordstrom is always free, whether you're mailing them back or bringing them to a store. For anyone who splurges on sale items and needs flexibility, this is your safety net. In-store returns typically process in 3-5 business days after processing, while mail returns are usually processed within 10-14 business days after receipt.

Best for Everyday Shopping: Target

Target allows most items to be returned within 90 days to receive a refund or exchange if items are new and unopened. It's the same generous window you'd get at a premium retailer.

Here's where it gets even better: Target brand items (like A New Day, Universal Thread, All in Motion, and Cat & Jack) can be returned within 365 days with a receipt. That's a full year to decide if those basics are working for you. Target Circle™Card holders and Target Circle 360™ members get an extra 30 days on top of the standard return windows—so 120 days for most items and technically up to 395 days for Target brands. This generous policy covers many items (but not all) they sell.

Plus, Target can look up most purchases even without a receipt if you're signed into your account.

Best for Premium Activewear: Lululemon

Lululemon allows returns within 30 days of the delivery date for online purchases or purchase date for in-store purchases. What sets them apart is their Quality Promise—a one-year guarantee from the date of purchase that covers manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship.

Here's what the Quality Promise actually covers: zippers that break prematurely, seams that come apart, fabric that tears when it shouldn't, or pilling that goes beyond normal wear. It doesn't cover damage from accidents, misuse, or normal wear and tear from regular use. If your leggings develop a quality issue within the first year, you can submit a Performance Return request online (with photos), and if approved, you'll receive an e-gift card for the item.

This matters when you're investing $100+ in a single pair of leggings. Items must be unworn and unwashed with tags attached for standard returns within 30 days, but the Quality Promise extends protection for legitimate defects up to a year. For anyone ordering multiple sizes online, just make sure you decide quickly—that 30-day return window moves fast.

Best "Give-It-A-Workout" Policy: Athleta

Athleta stands behind the quality of their product with their Give-it-a-Workout Guarantee, allowing customers to work out in gear and return it within 30 days of delivery if it doesn't perform. This is a truly unique assurance—you can actually test your workout clothes during real workouts before committing to the purchase. (See their official policy here).

Athleta consistently offers a generous annual holiday extended return window. Items purchased from mid-October through December 24th may typically be returned through January 15th of the following year, or 30 days from the delivery date, whichever is later. For anyone shopping sales or stocking up for the new year, that flexibility is clutch. Returns are free whether you mail them back or return in-store, making this one of the easiest stores to return to.

Best for Trendy, Elevated Basics: Abercrombie

You have 30 days from the estimated or actual delivery date to return items for a full refund. VIP myAbercrombie members (which is free to join) receive an additional 30 days, for a total of 60 days, and their $7 mail return fee is waived. That 60-day window gives you serious flexibility when shopping their elevated denim and workwear.

For standard members, a fee of $7 will be deducted from your refund for online returns unless you choose to receive your refund via an e-gift card, which also waives the fee. For in-store returns, it's completely free and processed immediately.

Best for Maximizing Your Return Window: Anthropologie

Anthropologie accepts unworn, unwashed, and unaltered merchandise for return or exchange within one year of purchase or delivery date. Within the first 30 days, merchandise returned will be refunded to the original form of payment at the original selling price. After 30 days, you can still return items for store credit up to one year, which is incredibly generous. This applies to both their apparel and their popular home goods.

The catch is that a $5.95 shipping charge will be deducted from your refund for items that arrived via UPS when returning by mail. But if you can return in-store, it's completely free. For anyone shopping Anthropologie's bohemian pieces and home goods, that extended window means you can live with your purchase before committing. Just keep those tags on and save your receipt.

Best for Department Store Sales: Macy's

Macy's accepts most returns by mail or in-store within 30 days of purchase for most items. What makes Macy's shine is their holiday extension. Purchases made in early October through December 31st can typically be returned through January 31st of the following year. This covers clothing, jewelry, and bedding purchased during the busy holiday season.

That extended holiday window is perfect for gift shopping or grabbing deals during Black Friday sales. Star Reward members receive free return shipping, while non-members pay $9.99 per return. Store returns are always free, which is key when you're shopping their frequent sales and want to try things on at home.

Remember

Not every return policy is designed with your convenience in mind. Here are the warning signs:

Short return windows (14 days or less) don't give you enough time, especially if you were out of town when your package arrived. Some retailers count from the shipping date, not the delivery date, which cuts your time even shorter.

Final sale items are non-returnable, no exceptions. This usually applies to items discounted 50% or more. Always check before buying—that amazing deal isn't so amazing if it doesn't fit and you're stuck with it.

Restocking fees eat into your refund. Some stores charge 15-20% restocking fees on returns, which adds up fast on big-ticket items like furniture or computers.

Condition requirements vary dramatically. Most stores require items to be unworn and unwashed with tags attached. Some are strict about packaging too—lose the shoe box, lose the ability to return.

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How to Make the Most of Any Return Policy

Before you buy, spend 30 seconds checking the return window. When you're ordering multiple sizes or shopping a major sale, knowing you have 60+ days to return makes all the difference. Look for this information on the product page or in the site footer under "Returns."

Keep your receipts and order confirmations—screenshot them, forward them to yourself, whatever works. Most stores can look up purchases made with a credit card, but having proof makes everything faster. Some stores like Target and Nordstrom link purchases to your account automatically if you're signed in while shopping.

Understand the difference between refund and store credit. Some stores offer a longer window if you'll accept merchandise credit instead of a refund to your original payment method. If you shop there regularly, this might work. If you don't, push for the full refund within the standard window.

Shopping at multiple stores with different return windows and tracking when refunds actually hit your account can get complicated fast. Refundly automatically monitors your email and credit cards to track all your returns in one place, then alerts you the moment refunds post to your account. No more checking your credit card statement daily or losing track of what you've returned where. Plus, Refundly is free in the Apple App Store.

When you're juggling returns from Macy's, Lululemon, and Anthropologie all at once, having everything tracked automatically means you never miss a refund again.

The best return policies understand that generous returns build loyalty. When you know you can easily return something if it doesn't work out, you're more likely to try new styles, order online, and shop confidently.

Before you check out, always verify the return window and whether returns are free. A good return policy means you can shop with confidence, knowing you're not locked into any purchase that doesn't work out. Happy shopping!

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