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As the holiday season wraps up, many New Yorkers are heading to stores to return or exchange gifts. The New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection is offering tips to help shoppers navigate varying store return policies. According to state law, retailers must post their refund policies visibly at their entrance, near the cash register, or on their items. For online purchases, refund policies should be displayed or hyperlinked on the website before checkout.
If a store does not have a posted return policy, they must accept returns of unused, undamaged items within 30 days of purchase, provided the customer has a receipt. Refunds can be given in cash or store credit, depending on the customer's preference. Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley advises consumers to review store policies in advance to save time and avoid frustration.
The Division of Consumer Protection encourages shoppers to keep receipts and request gift receipts for easier returns. For online shopping, maintaining a dedicated email inbox for purchase confirmations can be helpful. If consumers face difficulties obtaining refunds, they can file a complaint with the Division, which offers mediation services between consumers and businesses.
