51 Retailers That Let You Buy Online and Return In-Store in 2025

Most of us know how easy it can be to go on a shopping spree online, but what happens when an item arrives and it's not what you expected? Returns are usually a viable option, but shipping an order back to the retailer can be a hassle, especially if the product won't fit in your mailbox.

Can you return an online order to a store instead? Fortunately, many retailers allow you to buy online and return in-store, although there are some caveats. Before venturing out to a local shop, read their return policy to see if you can return online orders in person and what kinds of requirements you'll have to meet.

Check out our list below of some of the top retailers that allow you to use this method to buy and return items in 2025.

What Is 'Buy Online, Return In-Store'?

"Buy online, return in-store" is a policy that allows shoppers to purchase items online and then return them in-store, rather than having to ship them back via a carrier like UPS, FedEx, or the U.S. Postal Service.

For the retailers that let you return online orders in-store, the process is usually close to returning something you purchased in the store itself.

For the most part, this policy is only applicable to stores that have physical locations. That includes national chains like Home Depot, Walmart, Best Buy, and others. However, some online-focused retailers have agreements with brick-and-mortar stores to allow easier returns for customers. Think Amazon shoppers being able to return Amazon items to Kohl's, for instance.

What to Know About Returning Online Orders to a Store

Have you been asking yourself, "How do I return an online purchase to a store?" For the retailers that allow in-store returns, the process is usually pretty close to — if not the exact same as — returning something you purchased in the store. But here are things to keep in mind before you initiate that return:

• Original Condition is Key: Retailers almost always require items to be returned in their original condition. This means the product should be unused, undamaged, and free from any signs of wear or alteration. Crucially, this often includes the original packaging – the box, wrapping, protective materials, and any inserts that came with the item. Make sure all original tags are still attached as well. If an item appears to have been used, even slightly, the retailer may refuse the return. Treat the unboxing process with care so you can easily repack if needed.
• Specific Items, Specific Methods: Not all online purchases are created equal when it comes to returns. Some retailers may restrict in-store returns to certain product categories (e.g., clothing, accessories), while others, particularly larger or more fragile items, must be returned via mail. This is especially common for large appliances, furniture, or items shipped directly from a third-party seller. Always check the specific return policy for the item you purchased, as it may differ from the retailer's general policy.
• Shipping Costs Aren't Coming Back: Typically, the shipping costs you paid to have the item delivered to you are nonrefundable, even if you return the item. This is usually stated in the return policy. The refund you receive will cover the cost of the item itself, but not the initial shipping fee. Keep this in mind when evaluating the overall cost of a potential purchase.
• The Importance of the Invoice: Your invoice or order confirmation is vital for processing a return. It serves as proof of purchase and contains essential information like the order number, date of purchase, and item details. If you've misplaced the physical invoice included in your package, check your online store account. Most retailers allow you to access and print your order history. If you can't find your invoice, you'll likely only receive store credit for the return, rather than a full refund to your original payment method.
• Time is of the Essence (Return Windows): While a few retailers may experiment with longer return windows in 2025 as a customer loyalty tactic, most stores will likely stick to return acceptance within 30 to 60 days. Some are more or less lenient than others, and some retailers may have varying policies for different product categories.
• Restocking Fees: A Potential Cost: Some retailers, especially those selling electronics or high-value items, may charge a restocking fee for returns. This fee is deducted from your refund and is intended to cover the cost of inspecting and repackaging the returned item. Restocking fees are more common for items that require significant processing or refurbishment before they can be resold. Check the return policy carefully for any mention of restocking fees.
• Clearance and Customized Items: Usually Final Sale: Clearance items and customized or personalized goods are often nonrefundable. This is because clearance items are typically heavily discounted and sold "as is," while customized items are made specifically for you and cannot be resold to other customers. Understand that these purchases are generally final.
• International Returns: Complicated and Often Impossible: Returning an item purchased in one country to a retail location in another country is generally not possible. This is due to differences in inventory systems, currency exchange rates, and local regulations. If you're planning to shop internationally, be aware that returns may be difficult or impossible to process.
• Different Payment Types. Check the fine print before paying via a system like PayPal or a "buy now, pay later" option like Klarna.

51 Retailers That Let You Buy Online and Return In-Store

To find out whether a retailer allows customers to return an online order in-store, you'll want to check the company's 2025 return policy. It should tell you how to return online orders, but if the policy isn't clear, contact the customer service department. To make the process easier, we've put together a list of major retailers that accept online returns in-stores.

This list obviously doesn't include every retailer that accepts online returns in-store. If you're hoping to return an online purchase to a retailer that isn't on this list, check the company's return policy to see if it's possible before you write it off entirely.

Another Way to Return Online Orders In-Store

While some retailers offer in-store returns, others might not be able to because they're only online or have a very limited number of physical locations. But that doesn't mean you're out of luck. Happy Returns is a solution to this issue, and while it's not available everywhere, it's definitely grown throughout 2024 and into 2025.

Happy Returns lets you bring returnable items from many participating retailers to one of its in-store Return Bars.

UPS powers the service, and you can find a Return Bar near you before you start your return. Return Bars are often located in other stores, such as Staples, The UPS Store, or Petco locations. But the process tends to be pretty simple. For one return, this writer didn't even have to repackage the item being returned to the store. Your mileage may vary on that front, though. What shouldn't vary is how easy using Happy Returns is — and because of that, this writer highly recommends this return method if it's available to you.

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