MISSOULA — Just as the days leading up to Christmas are known for gift giving, the days after Christmas are known for gift returning, and in true COVID-19 pandemic style, you might see a few changes in return policies and procedures if you plan on returning or exchanging gifts.
We reached out to several stores to get an idea of what you can expect. For some, extra precautions are being taken by the business once the items have been returned -- including steam cleaning clothing that has been returned and waiting a few extra days before returning items to store shelves.
Downtown Missoula clothing store JK and LO owner Jenifer Bain says the biggest change on their end is limiting the number of days customers can get a refund on their returned items.
“In the past we kind of had a longer return policy period, whereas, this year because it could drastically affect our bottom line if we get too many returns, we’ve kept our return policy which is five days. If you do return it after that, it’s not like you can’t return it, you can, it’s just an in-store credit.”
Bain is encouraging those who are returning items to local stores to choose store credit or an exchange over a return in an effort to keep the money in these stores, many of which have struggled in recent months.
