Stores ready for returns

Published 12:02 am Saturday, December 25, 2010

Now that the wrapping paper has settled, many are wondering what to do with that that too-small sweater or malfunctioning television.

The answer? Return it.

For those who need to take back items to Wal-Mart, doors will open at 6 a.m. Sunday, said store manager Christy Burns.

“Returns to Wal-Mart? Surely not,” Burns said jokingly. “Rest assured, Wal-Mart will be ready to take back those items. In fact, there will be specific registers open for returns only.

“Preferably, to make things smoother, we’d ask that you have your receipt ready when you come through the door,” she said. “And while a good number of those returns are going to be gift items and people won’t have a receipt, we ask that you make sure you have a current driver’s license.”

Wal-Mart has also changed its return policy for holiday purchases.

For those who bought an item between Nov. 15 and Dec. 25, that normally must be returned in fewer than 90 days, Wal-Mart has extended the time you have to make a return by starting to count those days on Dec. 26.

“That means you can buy a laptop, DVD player or other item to give as a gift this year and know that the recipient will have time after the holiday to return or exchange the item,” the company’s Web site stated. “Items that have the usual 90-day return window must be returned within 90 days of purchase.”

The 15-day return deadline for items such as electronics, video game hardware, GPS units and such would be Jan. 10. For items with a 30-day deadline such as home improvement items would be Jan. 29.

At JCPenney, store manager Dennis Cockrell said doors will open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m.

“Our customers can return items at any location in the store, except at the fine jewelry counter,” he said. “It’s always helpful if you have the receipt. We encourage exchanges, so if it’s the wrong size or color, bring it back, and we’ll be happy to help you out.”

Other area stores, such as Burkes, Factory Connection, Shoe Department and Cato’s, have similar return policies and encourage the presentation of receipts.