(KTLA) – It’s Dec. 26, which means it’s time to think about returning the gifted clothes that didn’t fit and the kid’s toys that maybe missed the mark.
As any experienced gift-returner knows, heading to the mall or department store on the day after Christmas is a treacherous proposition — as every shop has a different policy and the lines can make Disneyland’s look short. That’s why it’s important to prepare for your trip for maximum efficiency.
Every store is different with return deadlines. Some come quickly, like the Apple Store on Jan. 8, and others give you more time, like Amazon, Macy’s, Kohl’s and Walmart at the end of January.
While shipping items back to the stores is the preferred method for many returners who don’t want to brave the aforementioned crowds, some places like Best Buy and GameStop could charge a restocking fee to those who ship items or try to return opened products.
According to the National Retail Federation, return policies are a major factor in deciding where to shop for 76% of consumers. By the time 2025 rolls around, consumers will have returned nearly $900 billion worth of goods to stores this year.
