Macy’s Return Policy: Simplified

Macy’s is one of America’s oldest and most iconic department stores, offering everything from fashion to furniture. But what happens when that perfect pair of shoes isn’t so perfect—or you just changed your mind? Don’t worry—I’ve gone through their return policy.

Below is your friendly, step-by-step guide to Macy’s return policy. Whether you’re sending something back by mail, returning it in person, or navigating those tricky “Final Sale” items, this post covers it all.

Quick Macy’s Return Policy Overview

Here’s a snapshot of Macy’s general return policy to get you started:

General Return Guidelines

Macy’s wants you to love what you buy. But if something doesn’t work out, most items can be returned within 30 days of purchase.

Key requirements:

• Items must be in original, saleable condition.
• Original tags must be attached.
• Shipping and delivery fees are non-refundable.
• Items bought in-store must be returned in-store.
• Items bought online can be returned in-store or by mail.

Even new or gently used cosmetics and fragrances can be returned if they don’t meet your needs.

Star Rewards = Free Shipping on Returns

If you’re a Star Rewards member, Macy’s waives the return shipping fee. For everyone else, a $9.99 return shipping fee + tax will be deducted from your refund.

Tip: It’s free to join Star Rewards. If you shop often, it’s worth it just for the free returns!

Items That Can’t Be Returned to Macy’s

Some products are non-returnable, regardless of condition. Here’s a list of final sale items Macy’s does not accept back:

• Last Act merchandise – final sale, sold “As Is”
• Gift Cards – both physical and electronic
• Food, beverages, and grocery items
• Live plants and botanicals
• Pet food and pet products
• Coffee, tea, and other beverages
• Family planning or lifestyle products
• Customized, altered, or personalized items
• Opened or engraved fragrance bottles (e.g., Burberry, Louis Vuitton)
• Macy’s Beauty Box subscription items
• Pool tables
• Bridal Salon by Demetrios items – final sale
• Special Orders – 25% deposit is non-refundable
• Gourmet gifts

Final Sale/“As-Is” items are sold with no warranty or return options. Buyers take full responsibility for condition and performance.

How to make a return

In-Store Returns

You can return:

• Items bought in-store ➜ must be returned in-store
• Items bought online ➜ can be returned either in-store or by mail

Bring your original receipt for a quick refund to any Macy’s store.
No receipt? No problem—Macy’s can look up your order using:

• The credit card used for the purchase
• Your order number or shipping confirmation email
• The shipping label or packing list
• A gift registry number

Note: Macy’s does not allow curbside returns. You’ll need to go inside the store to complete the process.

Mail Returns

If you bought the item online, you can return it by mail – not store purchases.

Shipping Costs:

• Star Rewards members get free return shipping
• Non-members will be charged $9.99 + tax, deducted from their refund

Important Tips for Mail Returns:

• Use only the return label provided for the items listed
• Do not mix items from different orders or labels in the same box
• Use one box per label, or your refund might be delayed
• Refunds are processed within 7 days after Macy’s receives the return

In some areas, Macy’s offers scheduled pickup, but extra charges apply

Steps to make online returns

You can return items bought online by mail. Here’s how:

• Start your return online by logging into your Macy’s account
  OR use your order number to start the return.
• Choose your return method:
  • Print a label and drop off at UPS
  • No printer? Select the “Label-Free at UPS Store” option—UPS will scan a QR code on your phone and print the label for you
• Package items carefully and include the return slip (if you printed it).
• Attach the printed label or bring the package and QR code to UPS.
• Drop it off at any UPS location.

Tip: If using the QR code, you don’t need to print anything—just show the code at the UPS counter, and they’ll handle the rest!

Gift Returns & Gift Registry

Return or exchange (with receipt) depends on when the item was purchased relative to the event date:

• If the item was purchased before the event
  ➤ You can return or exchange it within 90 days from the event date.
• If the item was purchased after the event
  ➤ You can return or exchange it within 90 days from the purchase date.

Note: A receipt is required for returns or exchanges.

What About Exchanges?

In-Store Exchanges

• Items bought in-store must be exchanged in-store.
• Items bought online can also be exchanged in-store.
• Bring your receipt – or let staff look it up using your credit card, order number, or registry info.

Mail Exchanges

• Return the item first. Follow the return process explained in above section
• Then place a new order for the item you want.

There’s no direct “swap” by mail—you must make a new purchase.

How Refunds Are Received

Macy’s processes refunds based on how the original purchase was made and whether you have proof of purchase.

You Have Proof of Purchase

If you have your:

• Original receipt
• Credit card used to make the purchase
• Return label
• Packing slip

You will receive your refund in the original form of payment.

It Was a Gift

If you have:

• A gift receipt
• A return label
• A bridal registry number

You will get a refund in the form of store credit, usually as:

• An EZ Exchange Card (usable online and in-store like a gift card)
• Or a Merchandise Certificate (usable in-store only)

No Proof of Purchase

If you don’t have a receipt or any of the alternatives listed:
You may still receive store credit, but it will be for the lowest selling price of the item within the last 180 days.

For In-Store Returns

• Refunds and store credits are issued immediately, except for:
  • Third Party Seller items: These must be mailed back to the seller by the store. This adds:
    • 5–10 business days for the store to send the item
    • 10 additional business days for the seller to process the refund
• Store credit may be given as:
  • EZ Exchange Card (works like a gift card online or in-store)
  • Merchandise Certificate (usable in-store only)
• Refunds to third-party credit or debit cards may take an extra 5–7 business days to show, depending on your bank.

For Returns by Mail

• Macy’s will credit your account(s) within 10 business days of receiving your returned item.
• Posting to your account can take a few additional days.
• If you used multiple payment methods:
  • You’ll be refunded to each original payment type
  • Any remaining amount may be issued as:
    • A Happy Returns Card or
    • A Merchandise Only Certificate, mailed to your billing address in 2–4 weeks
• Again, third-party card refunds can take 5–7 extra business days to fully process.

Special Promotions: BOGO Returns

Buy One Get One Free or 50% Off? If you return part of a BOGO deal, Macy’s subtracts the discount proportionally across both items.

Example: You bought two items for $30 and $20 under BOGO Free. The $20 was “free,” but in a return, the value gets split ($12 and $8). So your refund is $18 and $12, not the full amount.

Special Return Rules by Product Type

Macy’s sells many categories of products with unique return conditions. Here’s what you need to know before returning:

Jewelry and Watches

• Returnable within 30 days with tags attached
• Inspection process takes up to 14 business days
• Special orders and resized items are non-returnable

Beauty & Fragrance

• Used cosmetics/fragrances are returnable if they don’t meet your needs
• Burberry requires all tags and hygiene seals intact; only returnable at Macy’s Herald Square
• Engraved or opened fragrance bottles (like Louis Vuitton) are not eligible for return

Designer Brands (Special Locations Only)

Some brands are only returnable at select stores:

• Louis Vuitton: Return within 30 days at Herald Square or Roosevelt Field (no customized items)
• Gucci: Return within 14 days at Herald Square only
• Longchamp: Return within 30 days at Herald Square
• Pandora Jewelry: Return only at Macy’s stores that carry Pandora

Finish Line, Sunglass Hut & Others

• Finish Line: Unworn items can be returned within 30 days
• Sunglass Hut: Return within 30 days at their Macy’s shop
• LensCrafters: 30-day return; online purchases must be mailed back to the vendor

Maternity & Kids

• Maternity wear: Return within 30 days, unworn, unaltered, tags on
• Toys”R”Us: Not returnable through Macy’s stores—visit toysrus.com/help for instructions

Bluemercury Items

• Return by mail or in Macy’s locations with Bluemercury shops
• Macy’s can’t accept returns from standalone Bluemercury stores

Furniture & Mattress Return Policy (Read Before You Lift That Couch)

Furniture and mattress returns involve extra steps and fees. Here’s a full breakdown.

Furniture Returns

General Rules:

• Returns allowed within 30 days
• Must be in original condition and packaging
• Delivery fees are non-refundable
• 15% restocking fee usually applies

How to Return Furniture:

• In-store purchases: Can’t be returned to the store. You must call Macy’s at 1-888-822-6229
• Vendor-shipped (UPS Ground): Return by calling Macy’s. Can’t be returned in-store.
• Scheduled delivery: You must call within 3 days of delivery for preference-based returns.

Pool tables are NOT returnable under any circumstances.

Mattress Returns

Trial Period:

• You get 120 days to try the mattress
• If unsatisfied, you have 14 days to contact Macy’s to request a one-time reselection or return

Conditions:

• Mattress must be undamaged, unsoiled, and stain-free
• WorryNoMore® Protection fees refunded if mattress pad is returned

Fees:

• $99 pickup fee
• 15% preference return fee (except for:
  • Purple, Sattva, Leesa, Bedgear: No 15% fee on first return
  • Tempur-Pedic: No 15% fee at all)

Accessories, Wall Art, Lamps & Mirrors

• Must call Customer Service at 1-888-822-6229
• Return within 30 days of receipt
• Must be in original condition and packaging
• Can’t be returned to stores
• 15% restocking fee applies
• Shipping and surcharges are non-refundable

Summary Table: Special Item Return Rules

If you have any more questions about the returns, you can visit the return policy on their website.

Common Questions

Final Thoughts

Macy’s has a pretty generous return policy overall—as long as you follow the rules. The key is to act fast (within 30 days), keep those tags on, and use your Macy’s account to simplify things. And hey, if you’re not a Star Rewards member yet, that’s an easy win for free returns.

Please Note: Return policies can change over time. While this article aims to provide accurate information based on the policy at the time of writing, it’s always a good idea to double-check the return policy on official Macy’s website for the most up-to-date return policy details. For any specific questions or situations not covered here, the official website or contacting Macy’s Customer Service directly is the best resource.