How To Make Online Shopping Returns During COVID-19 Closures
***thumbnail picture was taken almost a year ago***
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted, among other things, in almost all businesses closing their doors until further notice. If you’re like us, you might have clothes that you purchased either in-store right before they closed, or you’ve been doing some online shopping and have a couple pieces you want to return or exchange. While doing our own research, we realized that many retailers’ return policies are vague and hard to understand, especially if you’re used to simply making in-store returns. Below, we’ve done our best to break down the return policies at some of the main retailers we link to on this blog and explain how they are altering their policies in response to COVID-19.
All Store names and the phrase “Return Policy” are hyperlinked, as well as other specific terms for each store, so make sure to hover over terms and phrases you want more info on!
UPS, USPS, and FEDEX response to COVID-19
UPS: I have shipped from UPS twice since social distancing and stay at home orders started in my area of Atlanta. They haven’t changed their shipping policies, but their in-store policies have reflected to facilitate physical distance between customers and staff, as well as sanitizing all surfaces between customers. At my local store, they have shortened their hours, but call your own local store for more information on any changes that might directly affect shipping.
USPS: The only changes USPS has made in light of the virus have been in their own internal procedures, so this won’t affect your own shipping and mailing.
FEDEX: Fedex has made the most customer-side changes to their services. They have suspended their money back guarantee for all services, as well as Signature Required for most shipments. Additionally, their website states that their stores will have shortened business hours, so call your local store for more info on how this affects you. They have also implemented a temporary surcharge on all international shipments starting April 6th 2020.
ASOS:
The only change to Asos’s Return Policy is that they have extended their return window to 90 days from time of purchase instead of their usual 28 days. They have also transitioned to completely paperless orders. Here is a link that explains their new Online Return Process
LOFT
Loft is suspending ALL returns placed on or after February 1, 2020 until “a period of time to be announced once stores reopen”. This means online OR in person purchases.
They are also offering free return shipping for all online purchases if you would like to go ahead and send your returns back. CLICK HERE to start your online return process.
Otherwise, feel free to hold on to all of those orders until further word from Loft, but make sure you are checking their social media and website periodically to stay informed about further changes!
MADEWELL
Madewell has extended their Return Policy to 60 days. They don’t explicitly state how this affects in-store returns until stores reopen, but they DO state on their customer service page that in-store purchases can be returned through the mail:
“Can I return my store purchase through the mail?
Yes. Returns can be processed by mail for items purchased in our retail stores within 60 days of original purchase. Please be sure to include a proof of purchase and mail the item(s) back using your own insured traceable method to Madewell Returns, 8150 Industrial Blvd, Suite 250, Breinigsville, PA 18031.”
Here is a LINK to start your online purchase return
Other than that, their Return Policy has remained the same.
JCPENNEY
JCPenney’s already flexible & generous return policy remains the same, but their Return Policy page states that for items that previously would have had a 30 day return policy, they are extending that by an additionally 30 days from the time that stores reopen. This includes Sephora, fine jewelry, and furniture & mattresses.) If you wish to go ahead and make a return by mail, you are responsible for the return shipping costs, which is always the case.
Here is how to start your mail return:
J. Crew
J. Crew’s Return Policy page is vague, but it states that they are extending the return policy for all orders placed on or after March 1, 2020 by 60 days. They say to email them for assistance. Again, they don’t specify how this will affect in-store purchases made before the store closures. For more info:
“Email help@jcrew.com, chat us (9am–11:59pm ET) or call us seven days a week at 800 562 0258.”
or you can start your online return process HERE
NORDSTROM
Nordstrom does a great job of walking you through their Return Policy on their page with every link you might possibly need, so just follow THIS LINK for most of your info, but here’s a little summary of how they are handling returns specifically in regard to COVID-19. As always, Nordstrom does not have a specific return timeframe, and they handle returns on a “case by case basis”, so store closures won’t affect the timing of your return. You can click through the image to get to this page, where you will find all the specific links you need to get started.
ANTHROPOLOGIE
Anthropologie’s Return Policy : For In-Store Purchases, Anthro is extending their return policy past their usual 60 days. They don’t specify a certain time frame after stores open, and unlike many of the other retailers in this list, they are NOT offering mail returns of in-store purchases, so you unfortunately must hold onto your returns until stores reopen. Additionally, they are extending their usual 14 day timeframe for price adjustments. To start the process of receiving a price adjustment, click HERE
For online purchases, they are now offering FREE returns. Here is a walkthrough, with a clickthrough link to their returns page:
ELOQUII
Eloquii’s Return Policy has stayed basically the same, but they are extending their 30 day return window until further notice. Their Returns page states to contact customer service for help if you do need an extension on your return. You can email customerservice@eloquii.com for help.