Check stores’ refund policies ahead of new lockdown, warns The Consumer Council
In light of the new lockdown beginning on Saturday 26 December 2020, The Consumer Council is advising last minute Christmas shoppers buying goods from the high street to double-check retailers’ returns policies to find out what protection they have if they need to return or exchange an item.
Mark Crawford, Head of Consumer Empowerment & Protection at The Consumer Council, said: “Boxing Day usually marks the start of consumers returning or exchanging Christmas gifts that are the wrong size, duplicates or simply unwanted. However this year, with the new lockdown measures beginning on Boxing Day, consumers will be unable to visit non-essential retailers for six weeks. This means they may miss the typical returns or exchanges period offered by stores.
“Despite many retailers extending this returns period during the lockdown earlier in 2020 until they had re-opened, by law, high street retailers are not obligated to ever offer a refund or exchange unless the item is faulty.
“As many retailers offer refund and exchange policies at their own discretion, and in light of recent announcements by the NI Executive, we would encourage all consumers to ask what the seller’s policy is when buying goods to avoid disappointment when the shops reopen.”
For more information on your rights to a refund or exchange, download ‘A Guide to Consumer Law’ from www.consumercouncil.org.uk or contact The Consumer Council for advice by calling 0800 121 6022 or emailing contact@consumercouncil.org.uk.
- Consumer Skills