Major Retailers Extend Holiday Return Windows Into 2027

Many major retailers, including Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and Amazon, have initiated extended return windows for the holiday season, allowing shoppers more time beyond the typical 30 days to return gifts. These extended periods began as early as October and November for some, with return deadlines extending into January and February of 2027.

Walmart is offering a generous return policy for items purchased between October 1 and December 31, 2026, with a return deadline of January 31, 2027. However, this policy does not apply to items bought from Walmart Marketplace sellers, which must be returned within 30 days, and certain items like appliances and some tech products may have different return eligibility.

Target's extended return window for most items purchased between November 1 and December 24, 2026, is January 24, 2027. Apple products purchased during this period have an earlier return deadline of January 8, 2027. Notably, Target-owned brands can be returned for up to a year.

Best Buy is providing customers who made purchases between October 30 and December 31, 2026, until January 15, 2027, to return items. Members of Best Buy Plus and Total will have until January 31, 2027. Certain items, such as cell phones purchased with third-party contracts, are excluded.

Amazon's holiday return policy covers most items bought from November 1 to December 31, 2026, with returns accepted until January 31, 2027. Apple-branded products from Amazon have a shorter return window, with purchases made between November 1 and December 31, 2026, eligible for return until January 15, 2027. Amazon offers free return drop-off locations at Kohl’s and Whole Foods stores.

Macy's has extended its return acceptance timeframe for merchandise purchased from October 5 to December 31, 2026, allowing returns until January 31, 2027. Shipping and delivery fees are non-refundable, and items sold by Dyson and Mac Duggal are excluded from this extended policy.

T.J. Maxx and Marshalls allow returns for items purchased between October 4 and December 24, 2026, until January 25, 2027. Gift returns at these stores with a receipt will be issued store credit, and Marshalls items must be returned to a Marshalls location.

JCPenney is allowing returns for holiday purchases made on or after October 1, 2026, until January 31, 2027. Nordstrom Rack accepts returns for eligible purchases made between October 5 and December 24, 2026, by January 18, 2027, or 40 days after purchase, whichever is later.

Old Navy offers a purchase window from October 15 through December 24, 2026, with a return deadline of January 15, 2027. Returns must be made at Old Navy locations, as sister stores Gap and Banana Republic will not accept them.