Friday, June 19, 2009

Mini Rant

Ok, before I leave on my mini-vacation, I have a mini rant. I went to Banana Republic today to return a shirt I found while cleaning out my closet. I bought it about 6 weeks ago and when I went to return it, the sales girl said she could not do it. Why? Because Banana Republic and Gap now both have 30 day return policies! Now, I think 30 days is a little silly. I think 60 is more reasonable. So, I was surprised but calm. I asked if I could simply get a store credit. No! It is 30 days or nothing!!! This is REALLY irritating to me! Grrrrrr.....

9 comments:

Megan said...

I hate 30 day policies! I worked at the Ann Taylor down on King while in college. We once accepted something that had been purchased 5 years prior! She had the reciept and tags. I love their return policy!

USCEmily said...

30 days?! That's ridiculous!! But thanks for the heads up cause I would have had NO.CLUE!

Jackie said...

that is ridiculous! thanks for letting me know, I always put returns on the back burner.

Jennifer said...

That's crazy - maybe they are trying to be like Target where it's harder to return a shirt than it is to get out of a lease

a. said...

I've noticed that they have cracked down on returns, etc. If you order online many of the items have to be returned via mail and not at the stores which is a pain.

Annonymous said...

I think this new policy is an indication of how poorly the company is performing. It makes me feel like once I spend money there they need need need it and that is why the 30 day rule. I used to love BR and bought the majority of my wardrobe there but in the past yr. or so I have found very few things. I think their styles are boring and the quality of garments is slipping. Same for Gap. Don't shop O. Navy much so cannot really speak for them.

Jules said...

I think 30 days in a little unreasonable. I cannot believe they wouldn't even let you do a store credit! I'm glad you posted this though, because I had no idea.

Jeannine | The Small and Chic Home said...

I worked at a BR in an upscale mall in Boston back when I was in grad school (1999-2001) and we took anything back. High maintenance women would walk in with a wool sweater they put in the washer and claim that "it didn't wear well" and we'd take it back. That phrase was like some magic saying they all knew.

I've watched the return policy change slowly over the years and have been pretty surprised recently as it's become more and more strict. 90 days was understandable. 30 is a bit strict.

Despite that failed attempt at expanding a few years ago (Fourth & Towne), they just launched a BR jewelry boutique. Sounds like they need to stop diversifying and concentrate on keeping the loyal customers they already have happy.

Anonymous said...

I really limit how much Gap (and their other brands Old Navy etc..) shopping I do. Their return policies are a little annoying. I didn't realize it got bumped up to 30 days! Good Lord!!