For the 2025 holiday season, the Marshalls holiday return policy has been expanded to give shoppers more time to exchange or return purchases, while introducing a mail-return fee and maintaining strict conditions. Items purchased between October 5 and December 24 qualify for extended deadlines: January 25, 2026, for in-store purchases and February 4, 2026, for online orders, according to the company’s published guidelines. However, returns made by mail now include a US $11.99 fee, reflecting shifting cost pressures across the retail sector.
New Return Rules for 2025
| Key Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Extended in-store return deadline | Jan. 25, 2026 for items purchased Oct. 5–Dec. 24 |
| Extended online return deadline | Feb. 4, 2026 for online orders |
| Mail-return fee | $11.99 per return package |
| Free in-store returns | Available for eligible items |
| Industry driver | Higher reverse-logistics costs and fraud concerns |
| Official Website | Marshalls.com |
As the holiday shopping season approaches, Marshalls is betting that extended deadlines will give customers added convenience while new fees and rules help manage growing return challenges. How shoppers adapt—and whether they favor in-store over mail returns—will likely influence future policy adjustments across the retail industry.
Why Marshalls Updated Its Policy for 2025
Costs and Consumer Behavior Shape Policy Shifts
U.S. retailers increasingly face challenges related to return logistics, customer expectations, and fraud. The National Retail Federation reported that nearly 16 percent of all retail merchandise is returned each year, with the holiday season producing the largest surge in returned goods. Extended deadlines have become standard, but retailers are introducing new restrictions to offset operational costs.
Retail economist Dr. Lena Ruiz of the University of Minnesota noted that the balance between flexibility and financial stability has become harder to maintain. “Retailers want to remain competitive during the holidays,” Ruiz said, “but the cost of processing returns—especially apparel—has climbed sharply. Policies now reflect that tension.”
Marshalls’ decision follows the broader trend among major retailers, who are adding fees, applying stricter eligibility conditions, or limiting certain categories to reduce losses.
Key Components of the New Marshalls Holiday Return Policy
Extended Return Window
The Marshalls holiday return policy gives shoppers more than a month after Christmas to return purchases, supporting those who shop early or buy large volumes of gifts. Many consumers now take advantage of October and November discounts, and an extended return period prevents these purchases from falling outside regular 30- or 40-day time limits.
Free In-Store Returns
Marshalls continues offering free in-store returns for both in-store and online purchases, an advantage over retailers that charge restocking fees or restrict store returns for online orders. To qualify, customers must bring:
- The original receipt or order confirmation
- Tags attached to the item
- Original packaging
Store associates may decline returns that show signs of use, damage, or missing components.
The New US $11.99 Mail-Return Fee
Online shoppers who choose to return items through the mail will pay a flat US $11.99 fee per return package. Marshalls deducts this amount from the refund or store credit issued. The fee reflects rising shipping costs, greater return volume from online shopping, and increased operational costs for sorting and processing items.
Supply-chain consultant Mark Kessler explains that mail-in returns cost retailers far more than in-store returns. “Reverse logistics can cost retailers double what they spend on outbound shipping,” Kessler said. “A flat fee helps standardize the process and reduce financial losses.”
How Marshalls Compares to Other Major Retailers
Target
- Holiday returns extended to late January.
- Most returns remain free, but some electronics have shorter windows.
Walmart
- Free returns remain standard.
- Certain high-value electronics carry tighter rules.
Amazon
- Broad holiday return extension, often into late January or early February.
- Some apparel and third-party items include return fees.
Compared to these companies, Marshalls offers a generous timeline but stands out for its mandatory mail-return fee. Retail analyst Chase Devlin believes the fee may be strategic. “Mail return fees encourage shoppers to visit stores,” Devlin said. “Once in the store, people are more likely to exchange rather than refund, which benefits retailers.”
What Shoppers Should Know Before Returning Holiday Purchases
Condition Requirements Are Strict
Even with an extended return period, Marshalls enforces strict item-condition guidelines. Items must be:
- Unused
- Unworn
- Clean and undamaged
- Tagged and in original packaging
“Sellable condition” means the item must be immediately ready for resale. Apparel showing makeup marks, perfume scent, or stretched fabric may be rejected, even if returned within the deadline.
Gift Receipts and Store Credit
Gift receipts help recipients return unwanted items discreetly. Marshalls typically issues store credit for gift returns. Without a receipt, customers may receive:
- The lowest recent selling price
- Store credit only
- Requests for a valid ID to track return activity
Consumer advocates advise including a gift receipt for all clothing, shoes, and home goods during the holidays.
Non-Returnable or Restricted Items
Certain categories are excluded or require extra documentation:
- High-value handbags
- Jewelry
- Beauty products once opened
- Large or oversized home items
- Luggage sets
These restrictions relate to hygiene concerns, fraud risk, and difficulty reselling high-value merchandise.
Fraud Prevention and Industry Pressures
Return fraud costs U.S. retailers an estimated $24 billion each year. Common forms include:
- Returning worn clothing (wardrobing)
- Using altered or counterfeit receipts
- Switching items in packaging
- Returning counterfeit items
Marshalls’ stricter rules on IDs, packaging, and documentation reflect broader attempts to reduce fraud. Security expert Angela Kline explained, “Fraud rings have become more sophisticated. Retailers now have to implement controls without negatively impacting honest customers.”
How These Changes Affect the Customer Experience
Benefits for Consumers
- Longer deadlines provide flexibility for early and late shoppers.
- Free in-store returns remain accessible.
- Clearer rules reduce confusion during the busy holiday period.
Potential Drawbacks
- The US $11.99 mail fee reduces convenience for online shoppers.
- Strict condition requirements may prevent returns on lightly used items.
- Delayed refunds may occur due to higher post-holiday volume.
Consumer behavior specialist Dr. Alyssa Brenner notes that shoppers increasingly expect seamless returns. “Convenience drives loyalty,” Brenner said. “But new fees and stricter rules may cause some shoppers to rethink where and how they purchase gifts.”
Tips for Navigating the 2025 Marshalls Holiday Return Policy
Experts recommend the following:
- Save receipts and order confirmations until at least February 2026.
- Avoid removing tags or packaging unless certain the item will be kept.
- Return online purchases in-store to avoid the $11.99 fee.
- Check items for defects immediately after purchase or delivery.
- Confirm whether an item belongs to a restricted category before buying.
The Bigger Picture for 2025 Holiday Retail
Return policies have become a strategic tool for retailers balancing customer satisfaction with rising costs. Returns require labor, transportation, inspection, restocking, and sometimes liquidation at a loss. As inflation, shipping fees, and labor costs rise, retailers are adapting policies to reduce the financial burden.
Industry analysts predict continued tightening across the sector. Some retailers are considering:
- Charging dynamic return fees
- Requiring membership for free returns
- Limiting returns on promotional items
- Offering return credits rather than refunds
How consumers respond to these changes may shape return practices in 2026 and beyond.
