Return policies vary by store on unwanted gifts

You are a holiday warrior. So far you've flawlessly handled the overflow of family, food and stress that only Christmas can bring. You even managed a smile when your colorblind grandmother got you that sweater and “matching” scarf.

But don't get complacent. If you leave that sweater buried in the closet for too long, you might be stuck with the Santa and his reindeer knit for good.

Return policies for retail stores are as varied as their inventories. While some stores have fairly informal, accommodating return procedures, it's important to know what can be returned, for what and more importantly, for how long.

Most stores offer cash or credit returns for those with receipts.

But many stores are only offering in-store credit for unwanted holiday gifts.

“With a gift receipt, customers can get a gift card or even an exchange,” said Lauren Thornburg, manager at Old Navy. “But they won't be able to get cash.”

The Gap and Von Maur are two stores that require an original receipt for cash back. But shoppers looking to return items without a receipt can get store credit, usually for the lowest sale price.

“That's pretty common for most retailers,” said Jeff McGraw, manager at the Cedar Rapids Best Buy on First Avenue and Collins Road. “And if you don't have a receipt, we ask to for an ID.”

So if you exchange something, make sure you know how long you have to do that.

Best Buy gives individuals some flexibility in unloading their holiday wares. Usually, customers have 30 days to return or exchange an item, but McGraw said holiday purchases made between Nov. 1 and Dec. 25 have 30 days until after Christmas to make their returns.

The Gap in Coralville offers a similar window for returns and exchanges.

“We lax our return policies during the holidays,” said assistant manager Jeff Beck. “We don't want it to be black or white, we try to be more flexible for the benefit of our customers.”

Walmart offers a 90-day return period, unless you're returning electronics or computers, in which case, you only have a 14 day return window. Best Buy also has a 14-day policy for electronics, calling it a necessary hassle.

“You have such a quick turnover of those items, laptops and other electronics,” McGraw said. “They have a shorter shelf life than say something you'd wear.”

So holiday warriors, pay heed and check your receipts, and don't wait too long. Otherwise, that ugly sweater, you'll be wearing it next Christmas.