Need to return something? You may not be able to during coronavirus pandemic
If you’ve made a purchase at a store you regret recently, you may run into some trouble trying to return it.
Many major retailers across the country have closed in response to the coronavirus pandemic, and those that have stayed open — including grocery stores — have made significant changes to their operations and policies.
And for some, a change in the rules on returns — or a ban on them altogether — is part of their coronavirus plan. For online shoppers, many stores have extended their return dates.
Here are the retailers that have changed how they handle returns during the pandemic.
Target
Target said Wednesday that it’s banning all in-store returns and exchanges for three weeks.
But those who have a return that will expire within that time frame will still be able to bring their items back for three weeks after the ban is lifted, Target says.
Normally, items can be returned or exchanged within 90 days if they’re unopened and in new condition, according to Target’s return policy.
Costco
Some Costco stores are reportedly banning returns on certain items.
Customers at these stores won’t be able to return toilet paper, paper towels, sanitizing wipes, water, rice or Lysol, according to Business Insider.
Signs about these rules have been spotted at various Costco stores and photos of them have been circulating on social media, TODAY reports.
Kroger
The Kroger company has banned returns for the time being.
Other stores owned by the company include several regional retailers like Harris Teeter, Food 4 Less, Dillons and Pay-Less Super Markets.
Kroger says it won’t be allowing returns for the safety of customers and employees, as it can’t monitor items that have left the store.
Customers will still be able to get a refund or replacement for any meat, produce, deli or seafood item that doesn’t meet the company’s freshness standards.
Kroger hasn’t said when returns will be allowed again and says it will adjust its policies based on guidance from local and state agencies.
Stores extending return windows
Some stores have shut down altogether due to the coronavirus pandemic, which can also pose a problem for customer’s trying to return or exchange items.
But some have made their policies more lenient to accommodate those impacted by closures.
Apple: Apple has closed its retail stores until further notice due to the coronavirus pandemic. Customers will be able to make returns within 14 days after stores reopen, the company says.
Macy’s: All Macy’s department stores are closed until March 31. Its return policy has been extended by 30 days.
Homegoods, Marshalls, T.J. Maxx: The stores are all temporarily closed but will extend their return windows until 30 days after they reopen.
Old Navy, GAP, Banana Republic: All purchases made between Jan. 1 and March 31 can be returned until July 1.
J.Crew: For all purchases made starting March 1, the return and exchange period has been extended to 60 days.
Sephora: Products bought in store on or before February 15 can be returned within 30 days after reopening. Products bought between Jan. 15 and Feb. 14 can be returned for store credit within 30 days.
This story was originally published March 25, 2020 at 4:58 PM with the headline "Need to return something? You may not be able to during coronavirus pandemic."
