More companies charging restocking fees this year than last as many make returns after Christmas 2025 | What to know
CHICAGO (WLS) — With Christmas in the rearview mirror, retailers are expected to see a wave of returns. Some businesses have placed new return policies and fees that shoppers should be aware of.
For many, it’s as much of a holiday tradition as stuffing those stockings and sitting down to that Christmas ham. The holiday return rush is on, and more and more stores are charging fees to take those items back.
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On the day after Christmas, Michigan Avenue was teeming with shoppers. Some were looking for post-holiday bargains, but many sending back what ended up under the tree.
“We are doing ALO exchanges,” shopper Tracy Fontana said.
“Sweatsuits that somebody bought too small,” Elaine and Dennis Chaseton said.
The National Retail Federation says about 17% of the $1 trillion that will be spent on holiday shopping will be returned this year. But returning items at some retailers may come with a cost.
SEE ALSO: Why your holiday gift returns might go to a landfill and what you can do about it
A study showed 72% of merchants surveyed by the NRF are charging restocking fees this year, compared to 66% of retailers last year. That’s money you don’t get back.
“So, sometimes you buy a electronic item, whether it be a TV or computer. Some of those, even the big brand store, may charge you a restocking fee. And some of them are charging a return fee,” said Steve Bernas, president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau. “Consumers seem to be each year taking more and more items back, and the ones we talk to blame it on not seeing it in the store like they used to, when they used to buy in the brick-and-mortar. You’d feel it. You’d put it on. You’d try it on.”
Bernas says it’s important that shoppers keep a receipt, familiarize themselves with return deadlines and read the fine print in the return policy.
One reason why some retailers have moved to stricter return policies, says Bernas, is due to fraud.
“Fraud is always large during the holiday season, as well. The retailers do pay the price for those frauds, and that’s why sometimes they make it a little more stringent,” Bernas said.
For Marshalls and T.J. Maxx., it’s now $11.99 per mailed package, taking a bite out of the refund. For Macy’s, it’s about $10, JCPenney is $8 and J.Crew is $7.50.
“They’re just trying to get money in any way possible,” Mag Mile shopper James Cranmer said. “They know people are buying gifts that they’re eventually going to return, and they think, hey, we can get money through restocking fees.”
“Just like when you go to like a party, girls get a dress, and then just keep the tag and return it the next day, I think stores are kind of catching on to people doing that,” Mag Mile shopper Claire Copeland said.
Despite stricter policies this holiday season, shoppers say there are just some items that need to be returned.
“My brother got a bracelet for his girlfriend. So we came to exchange it because it was the wrong size,” shopper Lindsay Fontana said.
But there are ways to avoid getting charged, including returning items in-store or joining a retailer’s loyalty program. Many stores allow holiday returns well into January.
“Return it as soon as possible, because you never know when that person who’s given it to you has purchased it, so the time period could be even shortened,” Bernas said.
For those who received gift cards, the Better Business Bureau also recommends using them as soon as possible. Because time and time again retailers have gone bankrupt or gone out of business, meaning the gift cards could become worthless.
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