Post-holiday returns may come with hefty restocking fee from major brands

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Published  December 28, 2025 3:34pm MST
FOX 10 Phoenix
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'Returnuary' begins, as more stores charge fees for returns by mail

The post-holiday return rush is on, but returning your items may not result in getting all your money back. FOX 10's Taylor Wirtz learns more about how retailers could charge a restock fee.

The Brief

    • Retailers are bracing for "returnuary" as post-holiday returns are projected to exceed $800 billion nationwide this year.
    • Major brands like Macy’s, Kohl's, and Best Buy are now charging restocking or shipping fees of up to $45 for mail-in returns.
    • Shoppers can typically avoid these extra costs by returning items to physical store locations in person rather than using the mail.

PHOENIX - In what many have dubbed "returnuary," the post-holiday return rush is kicking off—but be aware that you might not be getting all your money back.

Big picture view:

Many will be returning or exchanging holiday gifts both online and in-store over the next few weeks due to a sizing issue or just personal preference. 

The National Retail Federation says total returns for the retail industry are projected to reach more than $800 billion this year.

Why you should care:

But if you are making a return through a store’s website, many of them are charging restocking fees. 

Places like Macy’s, TJ Maxx and Kohl’s are charging fees— often anywhere from $8 to $12 for anything returned by mail. Best Buy is charging $45 for activatable devices like phones and tablets if they’ve been opened.

Local perspective:

Shoppers at Arizona Mills Mall the weekend after Christmas had mixed reactions to the idea of a restocking fee.

"It's basically an inconvenience fee, you know, like oh we had to take it back and fold it right and make sure you know, it wasn't damaged. And that does cost money," said shopper Lacey Pryor.

Shopper Ralph Alvarado disagreed. "I don't think it's right, because when you buy, you buy, you pay the price for it. Why should you have to pay to get it returned?"

"That doesn't seem right. I mean, everybody knows that you're buying it off online, so you're not able to try it on," said shopper Alicia. "So I guess maybe as long as they're upfront about it that they're going to charge you a restocking fee. Maybe. But I don't like it. Any time somebody’s taking more money from me I don’t like it."

What's next:

Typically, fees at these stores can be avoided if items are returned in person. For more tips on how to best approach your returns, click here.

The Source: This information was provided by the National Retail Federation and the stores' websites.

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