Shoppers warned to return items to shops ASAP ahead of extended returns policies ending

SHOPPERS prevented from returning unwanted items to stores because of covid rules risk missing out on refunds if they don’t act fast.

Primark, Argos and H&M are among the high street retailers that extended return dates for customers until after lockdown lifted.

Shoppers should check refund policies and return datesCredit: Getty

The third national lockdown in England started on January 4 closing non-essential retail.

It meant shops were also closed for anyone wanting to return or exchange items bought just before – including unwanted Christmas gifts.

Many retailers gave customers more time, offering up to a month to return items from the date when shops reopened.

Non-essential retail opened their doors again on April 12 in England leaving shoppers with around a fortnight left to get their money back.

Primark customers who were unable to return items because shops were shut have an extension of 28 days from stores reopening.

What are my refund rights?

YOUR refund rights depend on whether you bought the product online or in store.

Online, over the phone or by mail order:

You have the right to your money back if you change your mind about an order placed online, over the phone or by mail order, without having to give a reason.

Under the Consumer Contracts Regulations, you have the right to cancel your order from the moment you place it to 14 days after you receive your goods.

You then have another 14 days to let the retailer know that you’d like your money back and return it.

The retailer then has 14 days to give you your money back.

If the goods are faulty, you have 30 days to return it and still get your money refunded.

If you pay for speedy delivery and the item doesn’t arrive on time you can ask for a refund on the cost.

In store:

You can only ask for a refund if the goods that you bought are faulty.

If you’ve simply changed your mind on something you don’t technically have the right to demand your money back.

But many retailers offer a “goodwill” returns policy, which includes either an exchange, refund or credit note if you want to take seomthing back to the store.

These usually last around 28 days but vary depending on the retailer.

That gives shoppers until May 10 in England to take items back.

A Primark spokesperson said: “We have continued our extended returns policy to reflect our store closures.

“Any purchases with a return date on or after January 31 on a customer receipt can be returned for up to 28 days after re-opening.”

In Scotland it’s May 24 and in Northern Ireland it’s May 28 because lockdown restrictions are being lifted on different dates in different regions.

Meanwhile, Dunelm extended its returns policy to May 10 for anything purchased in stores since November 28, 2020.

Argos customers have until May 12 to return unwanted items purchased on or after 18 October last year.

TK Maxx has offered a 30 day extension on items bought in-store or online between October 16 and dates in late December when they closed under government guidance, giving shoppers a deadline of May 12.

H&M has extended its returns for in-store purchases for 28 days after opening – so until May 10.

Martyn James of consumer wesbite Resolver said: “To encourage people back to the shops, many retailers extended their return times for in-store purchases, but these timescales pass quickly – and it’s worth noting that there may be big queues to get in to some shops and then to the customer service desk.

“It’s vital that people check on the shop’s website to see the deadline for returning goods and give themselves time to actually go and arrange the return too.

“Take the receipt and if you haven’t got it, check with the business before going to the shop so you don’t get turned away after queueing for ages.”

Shop extended return deadlines

RETURN dates vary from one retailer to another – if they extended it at all.

You should check with the retailer directly what the policy is, but here are the extended deadlines in England for some of the well known high street shops.

Primark – May 10
Dunelm – May 10
Argos – May 12
TK Maxx – May 12
H&M – May 10

Not all retailers have extended returns deadlines and some extended returns for a shorter time.

For instance toy shop The Entertainer extended its returns for two weeks and the date has now passed in England.

Customers in Scotland have until May 8 and in Northern Ireland, until May 14.

Other than the extended date, shops’ usual returns policies will apply.

So in most cases you’ll need your receipt and the item must still have tags, but other rules may apply, and you should check the returns policy of each store directly.

Normal returns polices usually let shoppers change their mind and return an item within around 30 days, though this is at the discretion of each retailer.

You can ask for your money back if goods are faulty, while items purchased online can be returned within 14 days under Consumer Contracts Regulations.

Shoppers heading to stores still need to follow covid safety rules – here’s what you need to know.

Charity shops are also opening their doors again so shoppers can dig out a bargain.

Scots shoppers queue outside Primark as non-essential stores reopen

This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk