Holiday shopping at H&M has just become a little trickier. A new $3.99 “gotcha” fee for some returns is hidden in the fine print of the fashion retailer’s updated return policy for the season. At the same time, H&M is offering customers additional time to return gifts, which may seem generous, but only if you fully understand the regulations.
Many other retailers like H&M are preparing for an increase in Black Friday and Christmas sales, which will be followed by a spike in returns. Stores are tightening regulations, extending return windows, and increasingly imposing fees on mail-order returns in an effort to control costs—and chaos.
How H&M’s holiday returns work this year
All purchases made between November 1 and December 25 are returnable through January 31, 2026, according to the company.
You have to show a legitimate receipt to receive a refund using your original payment method. H&M will give you a store credit instead of cash if the purchase was made with a gift card or if you only have a gift receipt. The credit cannot be turned back into cash, but it can be used in the store later.
Returns are only accepted by the retailer if the item is in “resellable” condition. This means that all original labels and tags must remain attached and that it cannot be worn, damaged, soiled, cleaned, or altered. H&M has the right to reject returns if an item seems to be used.
Any in-person purchases must be returned in-store at one of the approximately 500 H&M locations across the United States (Puerto Rico excluded). You have two options when returning an online order: you can mail it back or return it in-store. However, there is one significant exception: items ordered online from H&M Home cannot be returned in-store; they have to be mailed back.
Finally, there are some products that are just not returnable. Hosiery, underwear, swimwear without the hygienic seal, opened cosmetics, earrings, face masks, and gift cards are all listed as “final sale” items. Items with red stickers that were bought in-store are also non-refundable. Orders that are damaged must be returned to the warehouse rather than a physical store.
The $3.99 mail-in fee and the rise of the “restocking fee”
H&M now charges a flat return shipping fee of $3.99 for online purchases that are mailed back. Your refund will be deducted by this sum. For example, if you mail back clothing that cost $40, you will only receive $36.01 back.
The quickest way to get your money back is through in-store returns, which are still free.
This trend is going around though: Abercrombie, American Eagle, Anthropologie, DSW, JCPenney, J.Crew, Macy’s, Nordstrom Rack, REI, Saks Fifth Avenue, UNIQLO, Ulta, Urban Outfitters, Wayfair, Zara, and many other retailers are charging for mail-in returns too. Each has a separate cost, usually ranging from $5 to $10, and returns are only free if you visit in person.
Some retailers are raising their prices; Macy‘s has implemented a $9.99 fee in certain situations, while Kohl’s has modified its policy to impose a 15% “restocking fee” on customers. Just weeks before the holidays, GameStop added a $14.99 return fee, and JCPenney customers may see a $85 pick-up fee on some returns.
What once seemed like “free and easy” returns is gradually turning into something that customers need to add into their budgets.
What this means for holiday shoppers
More people than ever are shopping early to get discounts, spread out expenses, and reduce stress. Nonetheless, many people are willing to take on debt on behalf of loved ones, funding gifts with credit cards and even Buy Now, Pay Later plans.
However, a $3.99 fee here and a $9.99 fee there can add up easily. It’s critical to realize that “free returns” are no longer assured.