5 ways to make returns easier
Here are five things you should keep in mind to help make returning items less stressful for your gift recipients this holiday season, from ConsumerReports.org.
- What are the store return policies? Find out whether an item bought on a store's website can be returned to the store's location nearest to the gift recipient. Big-box stores typically provide this information on their website.
- Are there restocking fees? Restocking fees may have to be paid when you return an item. The fees, mostly for electronics, typically are 15 percent of an item's price.
- What can be returned? Software such as video games that have been opened typically cannot be returned. Electronics that are defective usually can be exchanged.
- What is the return window? At big-box stores and other retailers, items usually have to be returned within 60 to 90 days. There normally is a shorter return time period for electronics, software, CDs and DVDs. The return window may be longer if you use a certain credit card, and during the holiday season.
- Do you have a gift receipt? People who don't have a gift receipt may not be able to return their items.
After-Christmas sales
Here is a sampling of stores with locations in our area that will offer after-Christmas sales. We recommend calling the store nearest you in advance or going to the store’s website for more information on hours and sales.
- Gap: Gap is having an in-store sale of up to 60 percent off, starting on Monday, Dec. 24, and running through early January.
- Macy's: Macy's will offer savings from Wednesday, Dec. 26, through Saturday, Dec. 29. Sales will include: a $10 savings pass with any denim purchase from brands including Levi's Jeans, Calvin Klein Jeans, Buffalo, Tommy Hilfiger and more; 60 percent off all quilts and flannel bedding; 50 to 75 percent off holiday ornaments, dinnerware, candy and cards; and 50 percent off winter coats from DKNY, Tahari, Via Spiga and more. Savings also will be offered during this time period at macys.com.
- Old Navy: Old Navy's after-holiday sale will run from Wednesday, Dec. 26, through Friday, Dec. 28. Items will be up to 75 percent off throughout the store and up to 60 percent off online. In addition, in stores and online, Old Navy is offering Famous Denim for adults at $19 and for kids at $10, along with adult pea coats for $20.
- Sears: The after-Christmas sale will take place in stores and online Wednesday, Dec. 26, through Saturday, Dec. 29. Sales will include: 60 percent off coats, sweaters and fleece for the family; all fitness equipment on sale; up to 25 percent off appliances; $39.99 for Levi's for Men, regularly priced at $58; and $29.99 for Kardashian Kollection jeans, regularly priced at $68.
- Target: Target's after-Christmas sale will take place in stores and online Wednesday, Dec. 26, through Saturday, Dec. 29. Stores will open at 7 a.m. on Dec. 26, which is one hour earlier than normal. Deals will include all holiday decor on sale, select apparel on sale, and select toys marked 50 percent off. The weekly ad for the after-Christmas sale will be available on Target.com on Tuesday, Dec. 25.
- Walmart: The post-Christmas sale at Walmart will start at 5 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 26, in stores and will continue to run while supplies last. The sale will feature 50 percent off select Christmas candy, toys and seasonal home decor.
Several retail stores in our area will offer after-Christmas sales, giving you a chance to find big deals.
Tami Banks Anderson of Union, the host and producer of “Just Me,” a local public access television show in which she shares her knowledge on a variety of topics including retail and budgeting, offers 10 tips to help you make the most out of your shopping experience after Christmas and year-round.
- Plan ahead. Develop a strategy. Determine whether you are shopping for yourself or for gifts for future events, such as birthdays, weddings, anniversaries and baby showers. After-Christmas sales are the time to buy gifts at discounted prices and to get the most you can out of your gift cards, too.
- Know your gift recipients. Start your gift shopping for the following year on Dec. 26, when you can find big discounts. Before you go shopping, think about the people for whom you will be buying items. Take into account their ages, birthdays and milestones like graduation that they will be celebrating in the coming year.
- Hunt for discounts. Stores including Sears, Best Buy and h.h. gregg need to clear their shelves to make room for new electronics that will come in February. Look for overstocked and returned items. Keep your eye out for open boxes, as managers may give you an extra discount for purchasing items in them. Also, look for the markdown tables.
- Save on candy. Candy can be expensive, and sales go up at certain points of the year, including around Valentine's Day and Easter. During your after-Christmas sale shopping, look for discounted prices on candy, such as gum and Hershey's Kisses, which you can hand out all year.
- Get there first. Christmas specialty stores offer limited merchandise after the holidays. Get there first, as products will go quickly.
- Search for deals. Gabriel Brothers offers low prices on home decor and clothing, both after Christmas and year-round. JCPenney, Macy's and Target also offer deals on home décor items.
- Bring coupons. Never go shopping without your coupons. You also can load applications on your phone, and get coupons electronically so that you never leave them behind.
- Use good judgment. Spend your money wisely. For example, some clothing items are not worth that $10 you spent after wearing them once. Other items are top quality and will last you a long time.
- Do your research. Get to know your favorite retail stores so you can make the most out of your shopping experience before you head out. Find out when their sales and markdown days will be. For example, Target has a day each week when they offer additional markdowns on clearance items.
- Look for big selections. Stores like CVS, Walgreens and Rite Aid often offer a lot of items to choose from, and traffic is typically low. You often can find discounts of 50 and 75 percent at these places on a variety of items.
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