How are local stores handling returns amid COVID-19 pandemic?

Memorial Day is a popular time for shopping, with newly reopened retailers offering holiday sales -- but the coronavirus has changed the game.

When you walk in, most stores like Kohl’s have greeters to welcome you, make sure you’re wearing a mask and count the people coming and going to keep capacity at 50%.

That can mean long lines, like the one pictured below at the Ross Dress for Less store at Pittsburgh Mills over the weekend.

On Memorial Day, there were no long lines, but steady traffic at the Kohl’s on McKnight Road.

The way we buy clothes in-person is changing.

Stores like Kohl’s and Target have temporarily closed fitting rooms -- but not trying clothes on can create another issue.

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Many stores had suspended returns, but are now easing up on that and allowing them again, including Target and Kohl’s.

To make customers more comfortable, Target, for example, says they clean all returned items, then keep them in quarantine for three days before putting them back on the sales floor.

So many rules do vary based on the store. For example, Giant Eagle is not accepting any returns right now and Costco has limitations on what they’ll take back.

Here’s a break down of rules for some popular stores:

Target

Yes, accepting returns. Will clean items and keep in a three day quarantine, before returning merchandise to the sales floor.

Kohls

Yes, open Kohl’s stores will accept customer returns, and we have made adjustments to our returns process to minimize contact between the customer and associate.

Macy’s

Yes, accepting returns. We're giving you a longer period beyond the original return date.

Returns by mail: Only items purchased online can be returned by mail. You will have an extra 60 days from the original return date to return your items. Note: Please include only the items listed on your return label in the corresponding box. If you have multiple return labels, return items in separate boxes and apply the correct return label to each box to ensure you receive your refund without further delays.

Returns to a store: Items purchased in a store must be returned to a store. Items purchased online can be returned by mail or to a store. If the last day to return your merchandise falls within the store closure timeframe, you will have an extra 30 days to make a return once stores reopen. Stores will begin taking returns as they re-open to walk-in traffic; stores offering curbside pick-up will not be able to take returns curbside at this time.

Note: Items from our leased departments and items with special return policies may be excluded from the extended return time frames.

Ross Dress for Less

Yes, accepting returns.

Consumers who purchase merchandise at Ross stores will have to hold onto their receipts if they think they may have reason to request a refund. The refund verification system used by this retailer requires that the receipt number be entered into it, and consumers must also provide a valid picture ID at time of refund.

The refund verification system will accept a limited amount of refunds for merchandise that is not accompanied by a receipt, but those refunds will only be issued in the form of store credit. The same thing applies to items that have a receipt that is older than 30 days.

Items that have been used, worn, washed or damaged in any way will not be eligible for a refund or an exchange. If items have been paid for with a check, Ross requires that the consumer wait five days for the check to clear before a refund will be issued.

Giant Eagle

No returns, right now.

To ensure the health and safety of our guests and team members, we are temporarily suspending our refund and return policies. As we work to keep our stores well stocked, we are also temporarily suspending the issuing of rainchecks. All sales are final, so please make your purchases carefully. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding.

Costco

Some returns, with restrictions. Costco is not accepting returns on specific items, including:

• Toilet paper
• Bottled water
• Sanitizing wipes
• Paper towels
• Rice
• Disinfecting spray

Beaver County businesses working hard to get customers back after moving into yellow phase Beaver County businesses working hard to get customers back after moving into yellow phase

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