Photo: Gap Inc.
Old Navy is offering a one-year “Kid-Proof” return guarantee for uniform styles purchased during the upcoming back-to-school season that “don't stand up to the wear and tear of a school year.”
Old Navy typically allows returns within 30 days.
The one-year guarantee is designed to demonstrate Old Navy’s “rigorous quality testing and commitment to uncompromising durability,” including around fabric strength and fade resistance after multiple washes and daily wear.
“At Old Navy, we understand the demands of a busy school year. That's why our uniform products are made using durable fabrics that are proven to be built to last,” said Sarah Holme, head of design and product development for Old Navy.
The guarantee follows Old Navy’s "Price ON-Lock" back-to-school initiative in 2022 that promised back-to-school prices wouldn’t rise amid escalating inflation.
Stricter return policies have arrived in recent years as retailers work to mitigate rising return-related costs, according to reports from The Wall Street Journal and CNBC.
Last year, Old Navy and sister chains, Gap and Banana Republic, reduced their return windows from 45 days to 30 days, while J.Crew halved its return window from 60 to 30 days in 2019. In March of this year, Macy’s reduced its post-purchase return window to 30 days from 90 days. Amazon, American Eagle, and Dillard’s are among those with 30-day return limits.
Among those with more generous return policies:
- The Children’s Place allows returns for purchases within 45 days.
- JCPenney’s return limit is within 60 days.
- Walmart allows returns within 90 days post-purchase.
- Target accepts returns within 90 days for most items for regular customers and 120 days for RedCard members.
- Kohl's return policy allows 180 days to make a return, except for premium electronics and beauty purchases.
- L.L.Bean allows returns within a year after purchase.
- Nordstrom has “no time limits” for returns made on purchases from its full-price stores, although it requests that “customers treat us fairly as well. From time to time we may not accept a return.” From Nordstrom Rack, the return window is 30 days for in-store purchases and 40 days for online purchases.