The Macy’s return policy WAS fairly liberal, but now not so much, plus it has many exceptions that are worth noting. The slow decline of their return policy is an indicator that the store isn’t doing very well financially. Hopefully they can turn things around. Here’s everything you need to know about the current state of the return policy at Macy’s, both online and in-store.

How Many Return Days at Macy’s?

As of March 2023, Macy’s now ONLY gives shoppers 30 days to return items.

Their policy used to be 180 days but was cut in half in 2019, and now it has been reduced again.

They state that “items being returned must be in their original condition.”

The one big exception is cosmetics and fragrances as they can be in “gently used” condition.

Does Macy’s Offer an Extended Holiday Return Period?

Yes.

For all purchases made in-store and online between October 2 – December 24, 2023, Macy’s gives shoppers until January 31st, 2024 to make your return.

Do I Need My Receipt?

Not necessarily.

If you lost your receipt Macy’s can usually look up your purchase internally.

They’ll do it via your credit card, return label, packing slip, or even a registry number.

If they can’t find any evidence of your purchase, they’ll typically give you store credit for the lowest selling price in the past 180 days.

See Also: Order Online From Macy’s, Return Item to Store, Save BIG Money

Any Exceptions to the 30 Days?

Yes, there are a bunch of exceptions to the 30 days.

Here’s a quick summary of each…

Apple Products – iPhones must be returned within 14 days, all other Apple products get 30 return days.

Area Rugs – Rugs bought online still have 30 days, call 1-800-289-6229 to facilitate your return. Rugs bought in-store also have 30 return days.

Backstage Items – 30 days.

Beauty Box – Not eligible for a return or exchange.

Bridal Salon by Demetrios – All items are final sale and not returnable.

Bonus Gifts – If you return an item that came with a bonus gift, you must return bonus gift as well. If you don’t, you’ll be charged for it.

Designer Brands – Burberry, Gucci, Longchamp, Louis Vuitton, and Tous only come with a 14 day return window.

Dresses (Juniors and Socials) – These come with a 60 day return window.

Finish Line – All Finish Line items come with a 30 day return policy.

Furniture – You must contact Macy’s within 3 days of delivery if you want to return furniture.

Fur Vault – 30 days.

Gourmet Food & Wine – Not returnable.

Jewelry (including Cosmetic Jewelry) – 30 days.

Mattresses – Try for 120 days and if you don’t like it, you have 14 days after your 120-day trial to contact them for a 1-time re-selection or mattress return.

Last Act Items – 30 days.

Locker Room by Lids – 30 days.

Optical – 30 days.

Style Your Ring – 30 days.

Tech Accessories – 14 days.

Can I Return Online Purchases to my Local Macy’s?

Yes, absolutely.

Just return your item, and invoice, back to any Macy’s for a return.

If you don’t have your invoice, you can simply print your email confirmation and that will suffice.

If you don’t have that either, you can CLICK HERE and get online access to your order details and print them.

See Also: Nordstrom Return Policy: We Answer ALL Your Questions

How Do I Return Online Purchases via the Mail?

They call this their “Easy Return” system, while it may be “easy” it’s gotten WAY more expensive to ship something back. (more on this below)

Any purchase made at Macys.com will be returned via UPS and you just have to drop it off at any UPS Access Point.

Visit this page and follow the detailed instructions.

Who Pays the Return Shipping Fees?

You do.

Not that long ago, Macy’s would pay the return shipping fees on ALL purchases that were originally made online.

Those days are LONG gone.

These days you’re stuck paying $9.99 for return shipping fees unless you’re a Star Rewards member and spend at least $500 annually on your Macy’s credit card, then you don’t have to pay the $9.99.

Seriously Macy’s, this policy is TERRIBLE and will only make shoppers think twice about shopping on the Macy’s website. Way to go.

Unfortunately, you cannot return purchases made in-store via the mail or UPS.

When Returning Gifts, What Should I Know?

This is an easy process with a gift receipt.

Just return to a Macy’s location and they’ll give you store credit for the purchase amount.

Without a gift receipt you’ll need to plead your case and depending on the Macy’s location, they may or may not be able to help.

It’s always worth a shot. If you get turned away just sell your loot on eBay.

What About Getting a Price Adjustment?

Yes, Macy’s does price adjustments.

If the item you bought goes on sale within 10 days, just bring back your receipt and get a credit for the difference in price.

This includes both online and in-store purchases.

What If I Made an Online Purchase via PayPal?

If you need to return an item that you bought with PayPal, it’s an easy process.

You just mail back your return like you normally would and your PayPal balance will be credited accordingly.

Can Macy’s Gift Cards be Returned?

No, they can’t.

But if you lose your Macy’s gift card they can re-issue you one with proof of purchase.

Ask the Reader: Have you recently used the Macy’s return policy? Was it an easy experience?

By Kyle James

Photo credit to Mike Mozart.