7 Retailers That Still Won’t Accept Returns

The coronavirus pandemic has changed many things — including the return policies of several stores.

During these exceptional times, some major retailers temporarily have stopped taking returns.

In some cases, you can get a refund or replacement if there was a quality issue with a food you purchased. But outside that narrow reason for a return, you are out of luck.

Following are some stores that still won’t accept returns until further notice.

Aldi

The grocery chain is not accepting any returns. If you no longer want a food item you purchased, Aldi encourages you to donate it to organizations that serve the needy.

The one exception is for produce, meat, seafood or deli items that don’t meet Aldi’s taste and quality guarantee. In such a situation, Aldi will replace the item or refund you for it.

Costco

As we report in “New Costco Requirement for All Shoppers Is Now in Effect,” the warehouse giant has suspended returns on several types of items. They include:

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

Family Dollar

The discount chain has suspended its return policy.

However, one exception is being made for items that “were inadvertently purchased” after the expiration date. In those cases, Family Dollar will honor a refund within 30 days of the purchase date.

Kroger

The grocery chain currently is not accepting returns on the following types of items:

• Food products
• Cosmetics
• Apparel (clothing, shoes and accessories)

However, Kroger will accept returns if “any fresh produce, meat, seafood or deli product does not meet our freshness standards.”

Publix

The grocery chain has suspended returns of items during the pandemic.

However, it also says the following: “We will of course continue to honor our Publix Guarantee for any products that do not meet our quality standards.”

Walmart

The retail giant is suspending in-store returns of the following items:

• Food
• Paper goods
• Home cleaning supplies
• Laundry soap
• Pharmacy items
• Health and beauty items
• Apparel

However, Walmart is accepting some returns in other ways. According to the retailer:

“If you need to return any item, including those above, and have a receipt, please start your return on the Walmart app or at Walmart.com. It’s easy and may allow you to complete your return without coming to the store.”

Once in-store returns resume, customers will receive an extra six weeks to return their items.

Whole Foods Market

The grocery chain has suspended returns “unless there was a quality problem with the product at the time of purchase.”