Overview
- Best Buy now lists a 15% restocking charge on opened electronics and a $45 fee on activatable devices, even within holiday return periods.
- Macy’s deducts $9.99 for return shipping for non‑loyalty members, while Kohl’s confirms a 15% restocking fee with shipping costs and surcharges non‑refundable.
- Extended windows remain in place at major chains, including returns through Jan. 31 at Amazon and Walmart and Jan. 15 at Best Buy, with product‑category exceptions.
- Industry data shows 72% of retailers now charge for at least some returns as companies respond to reverse‑logistics expenses and return abuse such as bracketing.
- NRF and Happy Returns estimate returns at 15.8% of annual sales (about $849.9 billion), and studies report more complaints and some sales declines after fees were introduced, though shoppers can often avoid charges via in‑store returns or loyalty benefits.