Some retailers (including Sears, Marshall's and TJMaxx) are looking to expedite the process for shoppers by extending return periods; others have imposed tighter restrictions to cut down on return fraud, which cost stores more than $9 billion in 2013, according to Consumerworld.org.
With so much online gift purchasing, many retailers now offer "free returns" on unwanted items – i.e., they cover the postage costs. However, others, like Macy's, Amazon and Saks, may have restrictions on certain items or categories like electronics or computers; while Nordstrom, Target, the Gap and Old Navy offer free returns on all online purchases storewide. It's often a matter of reading the fine print on the purchase agreement.
Luckily, there are apps such as Returnguru and Slice to help streamline the gift-return process. There's even one called Raise, to help recipients of gift cards sell them online for cash - albeit at a discount to face value.