Shoppers begin making holiday gift returns, what you need to know

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) - If a holiday gift didn’t fit quite right—or arrived broken—you’re not alone. The day after Christmas marks the start of gift return season, and retailers and shipping stores across the Coachella Valley are preparing for a surge of post-holiday returns.

Local shoppers wasted no time heading back to stores to exchange unwanted items. Some came prepared with receipts and credit cards in hand, hoping to make the process as smooth as possible. Others opted to ship their returns instead of returning items in person.

At AIM Mail Center, Matt Sater, owner, says the weeks following Christmas are among the busiest of the year.

“The big volume comes in after Christmas. Obviously people got something that they need to exchange so in the month of December our returns, our drop offs double or triple in size depending on the store.”

Matt Sater, AIM Mail Center Owner

Clothing and electronics top the list of most-returned items, mainly due to sizing issues or duplicate gifts. But many shoppers are caught off guard by an added expense—returning items can cost money.

According to the National Retail Federation, nearly three-quarters of retailers charge some type of return fee, especially for online purchases. Sater says customers are often surprised to learn that shipping isn’t truly free.

“Understand what you got. Shipping isn’t free. When you buy it they hide that shipping cost so they believe it’s free. So understanding that so when you get here you know that it’s going to cost you a little bit of money.”

Matt Sater, AIM Mail Center Owner

There is some good news for shoppers who need extra time. Many retailers offer extended holiday return windows.

Key Retailer Deadlines:

• Apple: Most items through Jan. 8, 2026
• Best Buy: Most items through Jan. 15, 2026.
• Target: Most items through Jan. 24, 2026.
• Amazon: Most items through Jan. 31, 2026
• Macy's: Most items through Jan. 31, 2026. 
• Walmart: Most items through Jan. 31, 2026

Shipping experts say preparation can save both time and frustration. Having items packaged properly, labels ready, and receipts available can speed up the process and help avoid delays.

Shoppers are also encouraged to act quickly and double-check receipts for exceptions or special conditions.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.