HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) – The busiest shopping season of the year kicked off on Friday.
Deals are going on in-store and online, sending many consumers away from turkey feasts and toward holiday gifts.
However, in the past two years, the way people shop has changed.
With many retailers having more online buyers than in-store buyers, the way you shop in-store may have changed, too.
“They’re not as generous as they used to be,” said Julie Wheeler, president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau of West Virginia. “You really want to find it on the front end, and it’s up to us as buyers, as consumers to find out that information before we buy.”
Things like the store’s return policies have become stricter in recent years, Wheeler said.
“Is there a time frame within which it has to be returned? Is there a restocking fee? Do you just get store credit or does it go back to your original payment method,” says Wheeler.
Return times are often extended during the holidays, Wheeler says, but it’s best to check with each store you buy from.
“You’re going to get some extra time, but there are time frames right now, so you really have to pay attention and understand that information and provide it to the person you’re gifting,” Wheeler said.
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