Target’s ‘secret’ return policy will change the way you shop there

Target. Tar-jay. The Bullseye boutique. Dedicated Target shoppers have lots of nicknames for their favorite store, and many love nothing more than spending hours browsing the aisles. In fact, it’s not uncommon for them to visit Target multiple times a week—and when I say “them,” I’m referring to myself.

Diehard fans know there are secrets to shopping at Target and maximizing your buck, but there’s something pretty awesome about Target that you’ve most likely overlooked. The rule was implemented in 2015, but I didn’t learn about it until late last year. Since then, I’ve been telling everyone about this little-known secret—are you ready to be let in on the game-changing Target policy?

The awesome exception to Target’s return policy

You may be familiar with Target’s 90-day return policy on most items. And shoppers who use their REDcards even have an extra 30 days to make returns or exchanges. That’s a pretty generous policy to begin with, but it gets even better.

On Target’s return policy page, you’ll find a question asking if there are any exceptions to the 90-day rule, and that’s where the special policy is explained: “If you’re not satisfied with any Target Owned Brand item, return it within one year with a receipt for an exchange or a refund.”

That's right: A one-year return policy.

Here’s how this crazy-good policy came to be

In March 2015, Target announced the extended return policy that covers their owned and exclusive-brand items. These labels include a wide variety of fashion, home, and beauty products.

This applied to 32 brands when the policy started four years ago, but the list has grown substantially since then. There are currently more than 50 brands that the policy applies to, including Wild Fable, Opalhouse, and Sonia Kashuk. Even certain food items are covered under this policy. Applicable brands include Archer Farms, Market Pantry, and the newly launched Good & Gather, which is expected to have more than 2,000 food items by next year.

Here's the full list as of November 2019:

Target spokesperson Danielle Schumann said this move was a testament to the brand’s commitment to producing products that last: “We implemented this one-year, owned-brand return policy in service to our guests and to stand behind the quality of our products.”

How does the policy work?

To return items from any qualifying brands, customers simply need to provide a receipt or present the electronic payment method used for the purchase. You can then choose to return or exchange the item.

So if your Universal Thread jeans or your kid’s Cat & Jack sneakers don’t stand the test of time, you can return them within a year. The same holds true for furniture or home decor from Threshold or Opalhouse, as well as Wondershop holiday items.

Other stores with generous return policies

Target isn’t the only retailer with one of the best in-store and online return policies. Bloomingdale’s, Ikea, and L.L.Bean also offer shoppers a full calendar year to bring back unwanted items.

However, L.L. Bean changed its notorious lifetime return policy in 2018, citing a “small, but growing number of customers” who were returning extremely worn or even secondhand purchases for refunds.

When asked if Target has any concerns of customers abusing the return policy, Schumann reiterated that they stand behind their commitment to high-quality products and making the shopping and return process easier.

Now that you know about this liberal policy, pay it forward by sharing the secret with your fellow budget-loving Target shoppers.

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