Major Retailers Extend Holiday Return Deadlines

Many retailers are extending their typical returns period for items bought during the holiday season. Amazon, Walmart, and Target are accepting returns as late as January 31. Retailers know that many items bought in October and November are not opened until late December. In response, several large companies have extended their returns period on holiday purchases. Costco is not included in this list, as it already maintains one of the most flexible return policies.

Amazon will accept returns until January 31 on most items purchased in November and December. However, Apple-branded products must be returned by January 15. Normally, the return period on Amazon purchases is 30 days. The company reserves the right to charge additional fees for items that are late, damaged, or need special restocking.

Walmart typically has a 90-day return window, which it is extending for products purchased in October. Most items purchased from Walmart between October 1 and the end of the year are eligible for return until January 31. Third-party marketplace sellers may have different policies. Mobile phones and other consumer electronics generally have shorter return windows. Walmart also offers curbside returns and pickup-from-home options for Walmart Plus members.

Target is not changing its normal 90-day return policy, but items with shorter windows like electronics are getting an adjustment. For items bought between November 1 and December 24, the return window starts on December 26. Most third-party marketplace items and consumer electronics can be returned by January 24. Apple, Beats, and other mobile devices have until January 8. Target's private label items are backed by a one-year satisfaction guarantee.

Electronics retailers are also adjusting policies, though specific exceptions apply. Best Buy normally has a 15-day return period but is extending that to January 15 for most purchases made between October 31 and December 31. Devices that require activation, like mobile phones, still have a 14-day limit and will incur a $45 restocking fee. Other products like drones, scooters, cameras, and projectors with opened packaging are subject to a 15% restocking fee.

Kohl's normally has a 90-day return window and will allow returns until January 31 on items purchased as early as October 5. Sephora products have a slightly shorter eligibility period, going back to October 31. In-store returns are always free, but customers are responsible for shipping costs to return centers.

Macy's normally offers a 30-day return window but is giving a January 31 deadline for most purchases made between October 6 and December 31. Exceptions include Last Act items, Dyson products, and Mac Duggal apparel. Online orders may be shipped for a $9.99 shipping fee deducted from any refund.

TJX brands (TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Home Goods, Sierra) normally have a 30-day return window, shifting to January 25 for purchases made between October 5 and December 24. Online purchases in that window have until February 4. Shipped returns will have a $11.99 fee deducted from any refund. Items must be unused and in sellable condition.

With the holiday gifting season largely in the rearview, the time for returns is in full swing. Retailers surveyed by the National Retail Federation and UPS subsidiary Happy Returns expect roughly one sixth of holiday purchases this year to be returned. Shoppers should be aware that policies vary significantly between national brands and third-party marketplace sellers.

It is essential to keep receipts and verify purchase dates. For online purchases, shipping fees may apply if returning by mail. Some retailers offer free in-store or drive-up returns. Additionally, items purchased at one chain may not be returnable to another, even within the same parent company like TJX.