Whether it’s online or on the high street, it pays to know your rights to get your money back
Whether you are shopping online or in person, check the retailer’s returns policy before you part with your cash. Many high street shops offer at least a 28-day period in which you can return unused items and get a full refund or exchange – and over Christmas these are often extended to allow people to return unwanted gifts. At John Lewis, for example, the standard returns period is 35 days but gifts bought between 1 October 2021 and 24 December 2021 can be returned until 28 January 2022. Argos usually has a 30-day returns window but anything bought between 17 October and Christmas Day can be taken back until 24 January.