Want to return a gift? Here’s what to know and what to expect in stores, online

Having gift reciept is key

Stores were packed for the holidays with Christmas shopping surging to a 17-year high, despite higher prices and the omicron variant.

Expect another rush in stores for returning gifts. The biggest key? Know the policy and save that receipt.

“Sometimes retailers have a very short window they will accept returns,” said Laura Blankenship with the BBB. “For the holidays, sometimes they could be pop up shops, and they may not be around after the holidays.”

Some stores will only credit the credit card you used to buy something, or they will offer in-store credit. So having the gift receipt will make everything much easier.

Online returns present another challenge. If you have questions, try using the live chat feature on websites, because phone lines could be busy. And provide details on your order, including how you’d like to be refunded for the gift, or how you’d like to exchange it.

Watch Help Me Hank’s full report in the video player above.


About the Authors

Hank Winchester is Local 4’s Consumer Investigative Reporter and the head of WDIV’s “Help Me Hank” Consumer Unit. Hank works to solve consumer complaints, reveal important recalls and track down thieves who have ripped off people in our community.

Ken Haddad has proudly been with WDIV/ClickOnDetroit since 2013. He also authors the Morning Report Newsletter and various other newsletters, and helps lead the WDIV Insider team. He's a big sports fan and is constantly sipping Lions Kool-Aid.

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