Holiday return policy changes: Some stores shortening windows

Houston - Need to return a gift that wasn't quite right?  Some stores are shortening their holiday return windows, according to Consumer World's annual survey.

Target, Kohl's, Best Buy, and Macy's are among them.

That means some people who started shopping in early October may not have as much time as they have before.

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According to Consumer World, Target shortened its holiday return policy by five weeks, now starting November 7 instead of October 1.

Kohl’s reduced its regular return policy from 180 days to 90 for non-Kohl’s card customers, and to 120 days for those using their card.

Walmart no longer provides cash back for returns under $10 without a receipt.

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Best Buy, Macy’s, and Staples started their extended holiday return policies five days later than last year.

Some retailers now charge for return shipping, including Kohl's, TJ Maxx, and Marshall's.

Here's some advice no matter where you're making a return.

"Don't break the factory seal. Stores like to be able to take back absolutely brand new, unused garments, unused products.  And if you do that and you're able to bring in a sales receipt or a gift receipt, that's going to assure you you get back full value," explained Edgar Dworsky of Consumer World.

Tips for hassle-free returns

Go a day or two after Christmas when lines are shorter. 

If a store charges for return shipping, return the item to a physical store where it's free. 

Returns without a receipt are subject to the store's posted return policy, which might be store credit and the lowest recent price.

But it's important to note that many stores still have generous return policies where gifts purchased as early as October 1 can be returned until mid- to late-January.

And Amazon has quietly begun allowing some customers to keep returns to avoid the cost of shipping.