With more and more stores charging for returns, you might be curious about the Aritzia return policy — especially since the Canadian clothing store continues to gain popularity in the U.S. And, as always, you’ll want to be acquainted with the store’s return policy before you buy anything there.
Now Aritzia’s return policy is a little tricky. Some returns are free, some aren’t — and not everything is eligible for returns. And in-store returns are totally different from returning something you bought online.
That’s why I did a deep dive into the Aritzia return policy. From a breakdown of the return’s timeframe to an overview of what is or isn’t eligible for returns, here’s everything you need to know.
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1. Most returns are free — that is, as long as you were signed into your Aritzia account when you first made your purchase.
Ah, the question on everyone’s lips: Are Aritzia returns free? Yes, if you’re returning in-store, it’s totally free. Online returns are free if you made the purchase while you were signed in to your Aritzia account.
However, if you made the purchase as a guest, then you’ll have to pay an $8 shipping fee. You don’t have to pay the fee up front, but it will be subtracted from your refund amount. With that in mind, always make sure you’re signed in to your account when shopping online.
2. Not everything is eligible for returns.
Before you look into the specifics of returning an item, you need to know whether or not it qualifies. Aritzia is a bit picky, but don’t worry, most things do qualify. Generally, the products they don’t accept include gift cards, personalized items, or items that were on sale online for 50% off or more at the time of purchase. And if you bought something for full price, but a few days later it went on major sale, you can still return it.
There is one interesting caveat to this policy: If you shop in-store, sale items can’t be returned. Period. It doesn’t matter how much the item was discounted. If you’re thinking of buying something on sale, definitely try it on and make sure you absolutely love it first.
They also don’t accept items that are potentially unsanitary if worn by multiple people. So for example, undergarments don’t qualify for returns, regardless of whether you’ve actually worn them or not. This includes bodysuits and facemasks too. Swimsuits can only be returned if the liner is still fully attached.
3. Bring all the tags and receipts when making a return.
The easiest way to remember what you need to bring is to picture the item exactly as you bought it. All the original tags need to be attached to the item. (Unfortunately, having the tags separate doesn’t work.) Shoes need to be in the box they came in. While other stores are more flexible, at Aritzia you need a receipt as proof of purchase. Basically, bring everything back fully ready to hit shelves once again.
With that in mind, Aritzia is a bit particular about the condition of the item. They won’t accept anything that’s been worn or washed. Anything that was damaged after purchase can’t be returned. However, if the item was defective (i.e. had frail stitching that split at the seams) shoppers have reported bringing the defective product to their Aritzia concierge and receiving free repairs. That’s not the same as a return, but it fixes the problem.
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4. There’s a different Aritzia return policy, depending on whether you shopped online or in-store.
The easiest way to sum the policy up is that nearly everything can be returned in-store, regardless of whether you bought an item in-store or online. Exchanges for in-store and online purchases can also be done in-store.
What’s interesting is that swimsuits and swimming accessories can not be returned in-store. The Aritzia return policy states that they have to be returned online, which means they need to be mailed back to the store. I’m not sure why this is, but that’s the policy.
5. Completing an in-store return is WAY easier than mailing back an item.
All you have to do is bring in the items in the original packaging and condition, with your receipt. You can still choose between a full refund and a gift card, but the deadline for each is a bit sooner. Instead of 14 or 30 days respectively, you have 10 days for a full refund and 21 for store credit. These aren’t business days, just regular calendar days.
If you’re lucky enough to have one of the 50 or so Aritizia stores nearby, making your returns there is the way to go.
6. If you’re mailing back an item, you’ll have to apply for a refund.
For those willing and able to proceed with an online return, here’s how you go about actually sending the item back. It’s an easier process if you were signed into your account than if you checked out as a guest.
If you weren’t signed into your account, you’ll need to fill out the Order Tracking form first. If you were signed in, just go to your Order History page, find the item you want to return, then click “Return Items.”
You’ll then be directed to a return request form. (Yes, that’s right … you have to request. The Aritzia return policy doesn’t make it easy). Once you filled everything out, click “Process Return.” And if you’re approved, you’ll get a confirmation email sent to the address on your account. Inside, there will be a link to a QR code or PDF with your shipping label. Be sure to check your spam folder if you can’t find the email.
For a full-price item, you can either get a refund in the form of store credit or a full refund to your original payment method. But, if you purchased a sale item, you can only get store credit.
7. You only have 14 days to process your return if you want a full refund.
Each refund method has a different timeline. You can opt for the store credit in the form of a gift card if your return is complete within 30 days. If you want a full refund instead, you only have 14 days. From there, you should have your refund fully processed after seven to 10 business days.
However, it’s not quite so straightforward. That 14-or-30-day deadline is calculated based on the item’s shipping date. Not the date you received the item. So however many days it takes for the product to arrive cuts into your return window. (Because how can you return an item you don’t even have)?
If you opt for standard shipping (which is free), it usually takes one to four business days for the order to arrive, according to their website. Notice that here they specify business days. That means it could take up to seven days total if your item is shipped right before a holiday weekend. Essentially you only have seven days if you want a full refund or 23 days if you want a gift card. And that’s not even accounting for other potential shipping delays.
8. All mail-in returns need to be shipped via FedEx.
It’s important to note that returns have to be shipped by FedEx. You won’t be able to mail it in via UPS or USPS. Make sure you have a FedEx location near you before you order online from Aritzia.
Aritzia recommends you pack your returns in the original packaging you received them in. Be sure to save your box and bags if you think you might want to return anything. Once you’ve packed the items up, you’ll need a label. There are two ways to get one, but the easiest is to ask a FedEx agent to print one out. Just show them the QR code in the confirmation email and they’ll handle it from there.
If you have a printer and a bit of clear packing tape, you can also print out the label at home and adhere it to the box yourself. If you’re having any issues with the process, you can always contact Aritzia Concierge (i.e. their customer service) from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Pacific.