10 Retailers With the Best Return Policies

3. Athleta

Have some yoga pants that are not cutting it in spin class? Pavini says that Athleta's “Give-It-a-Workout Guarantee” lets customers return worn clothing items within 60 days of purchase as long as they are not damaged. Athleta will pay for shipping for mailed returns, or customers can receive a refund or exchange an item in-store. Customers who receive Athleta products as a gift can exchange items or make returns for a gift card that matches the gift's original price within 60 days of the original purchase.

Athleta has a special holiday return period: Items purchased between Nov. 1 and Dec. 24 can be returned by whichever date is later: Jan 18, or 60 days after the purchase.

4. Costco

Costco has become well-known for its loyal customers, and its return policy is a testament to that trust. The superstore chain offers a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee and will refund the purchase price for any product. Customers do not need a receipt to make a return because every purchase can be traced to a membership, which is required to shop in the retailer's warehouses.

"It just makes you want to do business with them,” Kaarto says of Costco's return policy. “Whether or not you have your receipt, once you have the charge on your credit card, it just goes back to your payment.”

There is a 90-day limit on returning purchases of televisions, appliances, microwaves and most technology, including computers and cellphones. Cigarettes, alcohol, tires and batteries have some return restrictions. Costco memberships, however, can be canceled at any time if a customer is unsatisfied.

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5. Lands’ End

Pavini says Lands’ End allows customers to return any item if they are not satisfied with a purchase. The company offers refunds within 90 days of purchase, and for older items will issue a merchandise credit in lieu of a refund. No receipt is needed, but if a customer cannot provide documentation of purchase, the refund amount is determined by Lands’ End.

6. Target

Target has a 90-day refund policy for unopened items but offers a special extended return policy during the holidays. For electronics and entertainment items purchased between Oct. 1 and Dec. 25, the 90-day refund period begins on Dec. 26.

For Target-owned brands, items can be returned with a receipt for one year after purchase. Target also offers free shipping on mail returns, according to Teresa Britton, founder of savings website MomsWhoSave.com. “All you have to do is go online and click the link that says that you want to make a return,” says Britton.

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7. Zappos

The online-only shoe retailer will give refunds for any order that is returned within 365 days of purchase. The shoes must be unworn, with the original tags intact — but shipping is paid for and orders can be returned for any reason.

8. Ulta

Any item can be returned for any reason at beauty products retailer Ulta. The store requires products to have their original components upon return, which means a previously used product can be refunded as long as it still has its accessories. Products must be returned within 60 days for an original payment refund; later returns will be exchanged for in-store credit.

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9. American Eagle

American Eagle is one of the few clothing stores to offer an unlimited return window. Customers can return an item at any time — even a year or more after purchase — without a receipt. The policy excludes only customers suspected of fraud, as well as bathing suits that have had the hygienic liner removed.

10. Kohl's

Kohl's allows for most purchased items to be returned within 180 days of purchase, and that extends to all products except for premium electronics. To assist customers during the pandemic, Kohl's announced it would accept returns outside of the 180-day return window for the first 30 days after its stores reopened.

As part of a holiday special, premium electronics purchased between Nov. 1 and Dec. 25 can be returned through Jan. 31 with a receipt or Kohl's account.

"What I love about returning things to Kohl's is they literally do not hassle you. And for that reason, it makes me want to shop there more often,” says Kaarto.

Also worth a mention: L.L. Bean

L.L. Bean became well-known for its liberal return policy, which allowed customers to return any item for any reason, even years after purchase. However, the company has since dialed back those policies due to customers who pushed the limits of acceptable returns. Still, the outdoor retailer allows returns on any product within one year of purchase. After one year, L.L. Bean will consider items for return that are defective due to materials or craftsmanship. L.L. Bean requires proof of purchase to earn a refund, and makes customers pay $6.50 for a shipping label if the item is being returned by mail.