Finance

Can You Return An Item To a Different Store or Different Location?

Returning a purchased item can be tricky because the rules and regulations vary significantly from one retailer to another. For example, the restrictions, terms of use, and accommodations for returning flooring to Home Depot would be different than returning something you got from rent-a-centre. Further confusion arises when you wonder if you can return an item to a different store. Let’s tackle all these questions one by one! 

What Will We Talk About Here?
  • You can return an item to a different store location with specific retailers such as Home Depot, Walmart, Target, Apple Store, CVS, Gap, etc.
  • It is not possible to buy a product at one store and return it to a completely different store.
  • Some items are not eligible for return with any of the retailers. These include food products, beauty items, hygienic medical equipment, used tires, etc.

…and Much More!

Can You Return an Item To a Different Store Location?

When you wish to return a product to the store, it is first necessary to determine whether an item is eligible for the return.

Some items are marked ineligible by most stores, while there are other products that some stores allow you to return and others do not. In a nutshell, return policies typically vary from one retailer to another.

  • So whether you can return an item to a different store or a different store location or return it at all depends on the individual policies. 

Items That Are Eligible For Return

You have two ways to return an eligible item to the store. You can visit the same outlet where you got it from or visit the store alternative at another location. Whether a retailer allows you to return the product to another store location depends on its policies.

  • Keep reading, and you will discover all the stores where you can return an item to a different location. 

Items That Are Not Eligible For Return

You cannot return some items to a different store or even the exact store location. These can also not be exchanged once the payment has been completed. We have listed some of the prominent ones below.

  • Prescription medicines.
  • Used tired.
  • Used sewer lines.
  • Trading cards.
  • Flammable liquid or gases.
  • Firearms and ammunition.
  • Powered vehicles.
  • Paper goods.
  • Food items.
  • Hygienic medical equipment.

List of Store That Allow You To Return An Item To Different Location

Stores are generally relaxed when it comes to the return of eligible items. You would only find a few names that specify that you must return the product to the same store.

Otherwise, most retailers allow you to return an item to a different store location.
Remember that even the stores that allow you to return to another location may only have this offering for some products. Some items, in particular, need to be returned to the store where you got them.

Moreover, individual stores have variable rules and regulations for returns, refunds, and exchanges. Below are some prominent names that let you buy or return an item to different store locations.

Walmart

Walmart allows for returns within 90 days of purchase for most items. However, some products can only be returned after the purchase receipt or after being opened. Walmart’s return policy can guide you better in this regard!

  • You can return the item to any of the Walmart store’s locations whether you have bought it online or in-store. The only exception is the stuff you get from the Walmart marketplace. This has to be returned to and refunded directly by the seller.
  • Returns with the receipt will receive a refund using the original payment method. This includes debit cards, credit cards, cash, and Walmart gift cards.
  • Returns of items purchased through check payment will also get a check as long as you have a receipt.
  • However, if the receipt needs to be included, you must pass return verification to obtain the refund in cash or store credit.
  • A long list of items must be eligible for return at Walmart. These include ammunition, air mattresses, medical equipment, dirt bikes, damaged funeral products, defective funeral products, minutes for prepaid cell phone plans, funeral products of any type, gift cards, e-delivery software, firearms, air weapons, diabetic supplies, scooters, ATVs, UTVs, gas-powered mini bikes, trading cards, digital video games, unlocked wireless phones, SIM cards, prepaid gaming cards, pepper sprays, on-demand videos, installed tired, mounted tyres, prescription medicines, medical services, etc.

Note! You must return contract cell phones to the specific stores where you purchase it from. Moreover, items like unlocked wireless phones, e-delivery software, funeral products, and air mattresses can only be exchanged for other products but not refunded.

The Home Depot

Home Depot promises a full refund on return of most products within 90 days. There are obvious exceptions; for example, you must return or request a refund for rugs, furniture items, generators, consumer electronics, and gas-powered equipment within 30 days of the purchase.

  • You can return the products at any Home Depot store location regardless of where you bought them from.
  • If you made a specific deal or had a contract at a particular store at the time of the purchase, then the product return would be limited to that outlet only.
  • You can only return new and unopened items to Home Depot. Moreover, you must have a photo ID in case the order receipt is missing.
  • With the receipt, you are eligible for a full refund using the original payment method. However, if the receipt needs to be included, the store will only provide you with a store credit for the item’s lowest advertised price.
  • Certain items at Home Depot are ineligible for return. These include utility trainers, whole-house and stationary generators, cut flowers, custom products, gift cards, store credits, product samples, floral arrangements, labor and delivery services, installation services, and significant appliances once delivered.

Attention! Home Depot consumer/commercia Credit Account Holders have flexible return window. They can refund an eligible item at Home Depot within 365 days.

Walgreens

You can return a product purchased at Walmart within 30 days if you bring the receipt or photo ID as proof of identification.

  • Walmart accepts returns at any store location, regardless of where the customer got it from, whether online or in stores at another location.
  • Return and exchange of products like cosmetics or electronics are at the discretion of store managers.
  • Returns with the receipt should get you a full refund using the original payment method.
  • If the buyer cannot provide the receipt, they will get store credit equal to the lowest advertised price of the item.
  • Items such as gift cards, prepaid cards, seasonal products, intimate health products, and Birchbox BYOB are ineligible for return.

Lowe’s

You have 90 days to return a product at Macy’s, valid for most items sold here. However, there are exceptions. For example, you must return TVs, major appliances, electronics, outdoor power equipment, liquid paint, highway trailers, pressure washers, and mowers within 30 days of purchase.

  • Lowe’s accepts returns of online and in-store purchases at any store location.
  • If you are returning highway trailers, you must visit the original state where you got them. If you are returning a particular order, there may be an additional restocking fee of 20% of the charges for the item.
  • You must return the item in unused and defect-free condition. Return with the purchase receipt will get a refund to the original payment method.
  • You have to give photo ID proof if the receipt is missing. Then, you will be eligible for a store credit or gift card refund. Return for online purchases will not get you the shipping fee back.
  • Returning gift cards, safety masks, or facial coverings at Lowe’s is impossible.

You might be interested in reading: Lowe’s Credit Limit Increase.

Best Buy

Best Buy also has an extensive return policy and promises a full refund if you return the product with all packaging and accessories. However, remember that providing a photo ID is compulsory if you still need the purchase receipt. Otherwise, the store may not accept the refund.

  • You can return the products you bought in-store or online at any Best Buy location.
  • The return window is typically 15 days long, but Best Buy Elite members and Elite Plus members can avail of extended periods of up to 45 days.
  • However, you can only return cell phones, cellular tablets and smartwatches within 14 days and significant appliances within 15 days.
  • The refund is given using the original method of payment.
  • Consumable items like batteries or cleaning products, completed services, vehicle replacement key fobs, personalized orders, prepaid cards, opened SIM kits, plumbing items, digital content, memberships, subscriptions, and gift packaging are not eligible for returns.

Macy’s

You can return a product at Macy’s within 90 days of purchase if you bring it back in its original condition, preferably with the tag.

  • Macy’s accepts in-store returns at any location and for all products purchased online or at a retailer.
  • With receipt, returns are eligible for an immediate, full refund to the original payment method.
  • Gift cards at Macy’s or products without a receipt will only get you store credit.
  • You can return products purchased online with a full refund of the item’s price, but this will not include original shipping or delivery charges.
  • Moreover, food, beverages, special orders, altered items, Macy’s Beauty Box items, and Alexandre London customer orders are ineligible for returns at Macy’s.

Target

It is best to return a product to Target within 90 days. Moreover, it should not be opened or used. To make the refund successful, it is also essential that you take it back along with all accessories and packaging material in which it was provided. With that being said, open-box returns are still possible at Target.

  • In-store and online purchases can be returned at any Target store location.
  • REDcard holders get 120 days of return window and one year for Target-owned brands.
  • If you provide the receipt, you can get a refund using the original payment method.
  • With the receipt, you can show a valid photo ID and get the refund as a merchandise return card.
  • Items such as prepaid cards, open music, personalized items, video games, software, movies, defective collectables, open collectables, gift cards, digital items, and open-airbeds are not eligible for return here.

You might be interested in reading: Does Target Make Keys?

Dollar General

Dollar General accepts returns within 30 days of purchase. You must bring the product for return along with the original purchase receipt, complete packaging and any accessories included at the time of sale.

  • Buyers can return in-store products at any Dollar General store location.
  • It does not accept returns of online orders in-store. You can, however, contact the customer support team and request additional information on how to return a product purchased through the website.
  • Dollar General will refund the original payment method after approval.
  • You can not return or exchange gift cards and prepaid cards.
  • Additionally, gift-wrapping services are also ineligible for returns.

Kohl’s

You can return items at Kohl’s within 180 days of purchase. However, some products may have shorter return windows, such as electronics, which you can only return within 30 days and holiday returns have a cut-off date by the end of January.

  • Whether you buy the product online or in-store, you can return it at any Kohl’s store location.
  • The items must be closed at the time of return.
  • You have to provide a photo ID in case the receipt is missing. This will get you a merchandise credit.
  • Returns with purchase receipts promise a full refund to your original payment method.
  • Kohl’s gift cards are not eligible for returns.

Apple Store

All Apple stores allow you to return a product within 14 days if you bring it back with all the accessories, such as manual books, cords, and adapters.

  • You can return the item you bought in-store or at any US Apple store.
  • The location policy applies to the products you buy at the Apple Store and not through third-party providers such as Best Buy or eBay. In that case, you can only return or exchange the product through that platform.
  • If you return the product with the receipt, the store will fully refund the money using the original payment method.
  • If the customer cannot provide the purchase receipt, the Apple Store will still approve the refund as an Apple gift card.
  • Certain products are not eligible for returns. These include Apple Print products, Software upgrades, Opened software, electronic software, gift cards, and Apple Developer products.

Attention! You may be able to return an Opened software if you have not yet installed it.

CVS

You can return products at CVS within 60 days of purchase. Moreover, it must be unopened and, obviously, unused. On the other hand, CVS’s products come under a satisfaction guarantee. If you are unhappy with the quality, you can return the item to the store even after it has been opened.

  • You can return items you bought at CVS online or in-store to any CVS store location.
  • It is compulsory to show a photo ID for verification if you still need the receipt at the time of return.
  • Moreover, returns without purchase receipts will get you only the lowest advertised product price in the form of store credit.
  • If a buyer can provide the receipt, they get a full refund for the original form of payment.
  • Items like gift cards, certain health care items, prepaid cards, phone cards, and personal care products can not be returned or exchanged.

Gap

Gap accepts products within 45 days of the return window as determined by its return policy. Moreover, the item must be in its original condition, not used, not damaged and preferably inclusive of packaging.

  • You can return Gap products purchased online or in-store at any Gap location.
  • Gap stores do not offer returns or exchanges of products from partner stores like Banana Republic or Old Navy.
  • Gap offers refunds to the original method of payment for most purchases.
  • You will mainly not require proof or identification at the time of return.
  • Any item that you bought when it was marked down for sale is not eligible for return.

JCPenney

JCPenney accepts returns, although it has not specified any time window within which the products should be returned. Customer survey shows a 24-hour return window for optical items, 48 hours for fitness equipment, mattresses, and furniture, 10 days for fitness smartwatches and 60 days for fine jewellery and portraits.

  • The buyers can return the product to any of JCPenney’s store locations.
  • You must return the item in its original condition along with proof of photo ID if the receipt is unavailable.
  • The receipt will give you a full refund using the original payment method.
  • You can get store credit for the item’s lowest advertised price without the receipt. However, this is only valid for up to 45 days, after which the return window closes.
  • Products like gift cards, monogrammed items, personalized items, perishable items, face masks, body jewelry, custom items, custom services, and perishable foods are ineligible for return at JCPenney.

Staples

The period in which you can return an item to Staples depends on the particular product, but typically, electronics and furniture should be returned within 14 days, and unopened, unexpired items can be returned at any time.

Staples accepts returns at any of its store locations.

  • Returning with a receipt will get you a refund in the original form of payment, and this can only happen at the store where you purchased it because Staples only looks up receipts at particular points of sale.
  • If you don’t have the receipt, you are eligible for a return in-store credit equal to the item’s lowest retail price within the past 1 month.
  • It is also compulsory to show a photo ID if you still need the receipt at the time of return.
  • The product that you are returning should preferably be in sealable condition. It is ideal to bring it along with packaging and any accessories or add-ons you have when purchasing.
  • Staples does not accept digital software, prepaid cards, and open software for returns. Open software can be exchanged at the store.

Rite Aid

You can return an item to Rite Aid within 90 days of purchase. However, the product should be closed. It is preferable if you bring it back in original packaging.

  • Rite Aid only allows you to return products purchased in stores to any Rite Aid store locations. Online purchases can not be returned or exchanged in this manner.
  • Items returned with the receipt and wellness card will get you a refund directly to the original payment form.
  • If you do not have the receipt, it is better to present a wellness card and photo ID when you return.
  • Then, you would be eligible for a refund with the lowest sale price within the last 45 days in the form of a gift card.
  • Products like prescriptions, money services, gift cards, cigarettes, prepaid cards, lottery tickets, and tobacco are not eligible for return at Rite Aid.

T.J. Maxx

T.J. Maxx has a product return window of 30 days as long as you bring it back in an unworn condition, along with a valid photo I.D. if you don’t have the receipt.

  • You are free to return the product to any of the store’s locations, whether you bought it online or in-store.
  • However, it is impossible to return an item you bought at T.J. Maxx to its sister brand, like Marshalls.
  • Return with receipt will get you a full refund to the original form of payment.
  • The refund will be issued with a store credit if you still need the receipt. Gift receipt or return after 30 days will also get you store credit only.
  • You can not return an item at T.J. Maxx that has been worn, washed, or is in an unsellable condition. Garments of any type should have their protection stickers attached at the time of the return.

Sears

Sears allows you to return an item anywhere from 7 days to 365 days. If you are a member of Shop Your Way, the return window may be extended for you.

  • Items purchased at Sears physical outlets and Sears.com can be returned to any of the Sears locations.
  • You must return the product along with its original packing and all accessories included at the time of the purchase.
  • Returns with proof of purchase will get you a refund to the original form of payment.
  • Return without the receipt; if you bring a gift receipt, you will only get store credit. Or an exchange offer.
  • A variety of items at Sears are not eligible for return. These include whole-house generators, untagged clothes, worn clothes or shoes, adjustable beds, personalized items, adjustable foundations, installed automotive products, open music, movies, video games, software, collectables, gift cards, display items, and replacement merchandise. Seasonal items can also not be returned after the season or a particular holiday.

Attention! Needless to say, there is a long list of stores that do not allow you to return an item bought at one location to a store in another location. LensCrafters and Uniqlo are just a couple of example. Do you know more?

Can You Return an Item From One Store To a Different Store?

As you can see, many retailers allow you to buy products at one store and return them, if needed, to another location. That is how they make the return feasible and more convenient for the customers.

  • However, returning the product to an entirely different one is impossible. 

Simply put, you can not buy something from Walmart or return it at Target, get something from HomeGoods and return it at T.J. Maxx, etc. Consider buying something at Walmart and returning the product to a Walmart store at a different location.

Can I Return Something I Bought In-Store Online?

You will see that retailers often have varying policies when it comes to accepting an in-store purchase return online or return of an item bought online in-store.

The best approach is to check the company’s return policy. The official page or company’s customer support team should guide you on returning the order.

Extra Reading

Steps To Return a Purchase In Stores

In most cases, sharing a purchase receipt or invoice for the item you wish to return is compulsory. Some stores may refuse to exchange or replace a bought item without the receipt, while others may show leniency to some extent.

  1. First of all, pack the item in its original box. Then collect it and head to the store.
  2. Ensure you also pack any materials and accessories that come with the product.
  3. Share your concerns with the person at the help desk. Do explain why you want to return the item. Share legitimate reasons, such as the item not working, you bought the wrong thing, etc. Please do not say that you did not like it at home, as that might not count as a reason strong enough to return the purchase.
  4. You may also have to visit the return department if one is available.
  5. Then, explain whether you want to return the product, get a refund, or get something in exchange.

Attention! It is helpful to check out store’s website, if available. It will have a detailed returned policy so you would know what to expect when you get there.

We also recommend you take the product you want to return to the store as soon as possible. Some stores only offer returns or exchanges for a certain period after purchase, typically up to 2 weeks. The selling records at the store would also be recent if you go sooner, so you can expect quick results.

Steps To Return a Purchase Online

Returning a purchase online may be trickier than in-store returns and exchanges. However, online returns are more frequent because, mostly, customers do not look into the details of the products and then find the need to return them once they obtain the delivery. If that is the case with you, here’s how to return a product online.

  1. Open the online store from where you made the purchase.
  2. Then, find its return policy. It should be on the home page. Go through the policy keenly to understand how the return process on the specific website works.
  3. See if anything is mentioned about returning an unused or unopened item. There may also be other details on the site, such as the exchange of clothing with or without tags, returning products that have been used once, etc.
  4. Then follow the instructions that the website provides you with.

Most online stores now provide a step-by-step guide for processing a return. Following this guide, you should be OK with requesting a refund or an exchange.

Note! Some online stores also require you to print a return shipping label and attach it with a package when sending it back to the store. The website will have additional instructions on how to get this done if it is a requirement.

It isn’t likely that a store would specify the carrier services that you can use to return the product, but we still recommend you call customer service to confirm. Generally speaking, U.S. mail, FedEx and UPS are good options.

Retailers like eBay and Amazon are third-party stores. If you purchase anything through these platforms and then wish to file for a refund or return, it is better to contact the seller directly. You should be able to find the contact information on the specific stores.

The Bottom Line

We hope this article addressed most of your questions about returning items to a store. It may not be obvious, but it is still essential to know so you can hope for a considerable and timely refund.

As we mentioned before, for more information and confirmed guidelines, you should go through the store’s return guidelines. These are primarily available on their website and should have all the necessary details!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I return a gift to the store by myself?

You can return a gift to the relevant store if you have the purchase or gift receipt with it. Most stores will give you store credit for gifts over $10 and a cash refund if the item is under $10.

Are recalled items eligible for returns? 

Yes. You can return a recalled item, get a refund or request an exchange from the seller. Items found to be defective upon purchase can be returned regardless of their condition, i.e., opened or unopened. You are eligible for a full cash refund in this case.

Can I return an incorrectly boxed item and get a full refund?

Both damaged and items that are packed incorrectly are eligible for return. However, what you are offered in exchange may vary from one store to another. Some give full refunds, others offer gift cards, whereas others only allow you to exchange them for a new product. It would help if you went through the store’s return policy for more information.

Can you return an item bought with SNAP financing?

Such items can also be returned, but you cannot get a partial refund. You may get some percentage as store credit or replace the item with the same product.

Can you return an item to a different store without a receipt?

Most of the stores accept returns with no proof of purchase. However, presenting the receipt can make the process quick and easy.

Can you return clothes to a different H&M store?

Yes. According to the store’s policy, buyers are free to return the items to any H&M store in the US, excluding Puerto Rico. However, you must bring the receipt within 30 days of the purchase.

Can I return something to Target or Walmart that I bought somewhere else?

Target’s return policy allows you to return/exchange an item at any Target store with proof of purchase. On the other hand, Walmart adopts this policy for most items, but not all of them.

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