As we ease into the new normal during the global pandemic, many of the things we used to do are looking a lot different. In retail, we’ve seen a shift in online shopping and many retailers have announced the closures of physical locations.
The stores that have reopened have new protocols in place to ensure the safety of employees and shoppers. Among some of the changes, there are more lineups, markers for social distancing, limits in-stores, and a lot of cleaning. It’s just the price we have to pay for the shopping experience we’ve missed over the past few months. But one thing we’ve been particularly interested in is how retailers are now handling store returns and exchanges.
Here is How 4 different retailers are approaching the in-store return and exchange process since stores have reopened.
Aldo Shoes
For purchases made online between February 1, 2020 and May 1, 2020, the return period has been extended to July 1. Items that are returned will be put into a 24-hour quarantine. Afterward, the items will be sanitized and put back into inventory. As per usual, items such as earrings, jewellery, and insoles are final sale.
WINNERS, Marshalls, and HomeSense
Like Aldo Shoes, all three TJX brands — WINNERS, Marshalls, and HomeSense — will be setting aside return merchandise for 24-hours, unless otherwise mandated by a province, before making it available for customers to purchase.
H&M
In a statement to Narcity, H&M said that returns will be isolated for 24-hours before it’s placed back onto the sales floor for purchase. In addition, H&M has extended its store return policy for online purchases from 30 days to 90 days, and in-store sale items, which were originally final sale, are now eligible for exchanges.
Saks Fifth Avenue
Saks Fifth Avenue is taking a four-part approach to reopening its Canadian locations, which includes new protocols for how returns are handled. During this time, Saks is putting its returns in isolation for a period of 48-hours. The luxury retailer is also offering curbside returns and a dedicated sales desk on the stores’ main floors.
Articles You Might Be Interested In
Here’s What Really Happens To The Stuff You Return
10 Local Brands Giving Back To Black Lives Matter
The Running List Of Retail Store Closures & Bankruptcies In 2020
GUESS Is Closing 100 Stores Over The Next 18 Months
Starbucks Is Closing 200 Locations Across Canada Within 2 Years