Ann Taylor Loft Return Policy

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If you’ve ever bought something that just didn’t work out, you’ll want to know the Ann Taylor LOFT return policy. Understanding the rules before you make a purchase can save you time and hassle later, ensuring a smooth experience if you need to send something back.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know. We’ll cover the time frames, condition requirements, and different methods for returns. Whether you shopped online or in-store, you’ll find clear instructions here.

Ann Taylor LOFT Return Policy

The core Ann Taylor LOFT return policy is designed to be straightforward. Most items can be returned within 60 days of purchase for a refund to your original payment method. For a return to be accepted, items must be unworn, unwashed, and have all original tags attached.

It’s important to check your receipt or order confirmation for the exact purchase date, as the 60-day window is strictly enforced. Keeping your tags on until you’re sure you want to keep an item is the best practice.

What Items Are Final Sale?

Not everything is eligible for a return. The policy makes exceptions for certain products for hygiene and safety reasons. Knowing these exceptions upfront helps avoid disappointment.

  • Face masks and other personal care items.
  • Swimwear if the hygiene liner has been removed or tampered with.
  • Items marked “Final Sale” on the receipt, tag, or website listing.
  • Gift cards and e-gift cards.
  • Altered merchandise or items damaged after purchase.

Return Timeframe: 60 Days is Key

The standard return window is 60 days from the date of purchase. This applies to both online and in-store purchases. After 60 days, returns are typically not accepted, so it’s best to act quickly if your not completely satisfied.

For online orders, the purchase date is the day your order was placed, not the day it arrived. Mark your calendar or set a reminder to make sure you don’t miss the deadline.

Condition of Items for Return

To get a full refund, your return must meet specific condition requirements. The staff will inspect items when they are received.

  • Tags Attached: All original tags and labels must be intact and fixed to the garment.
  • Unworn and Unwashed: The item must show no signs of wear, washing, or damage.
  • Original Packaging: For accessories or shoes, try to return them in the original box or dust bag.
  • All Parts Included: If the item had belts, extra buttons, or liners, everything must be included.

How to Return an Online Purchase

Returning something you bought from the Ann Taylor LOFT website is simple. You have two main options: by mail or in a store. Here’s a step-by-step guide for each method.

Option 1: Return by Mail (Prepaid Label)

This is the most common method for online returns. A prepaid return label is included in your original shipment.

  1. Locate the return form and prepaid label inside your delivery package.
  2. Complete the return form, indicating your reason for the return.
  3. Repackage the item securely in its original packaging if possible.
  4. Attach the prepaid label to the outside of the box, covering any old labels.
  5. Drop the package off at any USPS location or schedule a pickup.

Once the return is received by the warehouse, it takes about 10-14 business days for the refund to process back to your original payment method. You will recieve an email confirmation when the return is initiated and when the refund is issued.

Option 2: Return In-Store

This is often the fastest way to get your refund. You can return online purchases to any Ann Taylor or LOFT retail store.

  1. Bring the item you wish to return.
  2. Bring your packing slip or the order confirmation email (on your phone is fine).
  3. Bring the credit card used for the purchase, if applicable.
  4. A store associate will process the return for you.

In-store returns for online orders usually result in an immediate refund to your original payment method. If you don’t have the original card, you may receive store credit.

How to Return an In-Store Purchase

Items bought in a physical store must generally be returned to a store. You cannot mail in returns for in-store purchases.

  1. Bring the item with all tags attached.
  2. Bring your original receipt. This is very important for a speedy refund.
  3. Bring the credit card or debit card you used for the purchase.
  4. Visit any Ann Taylor or LOFT store, and an associate will help you.

Without a receipt, you may be able to get store credit at the current selling price, subject to manager approval and possible ID verification.

Refund Methods and Timing

How you get your money back depends on how you paid and how you returned the item.

  • Credit/Debit Card: Refunds go back to the original card. It can take 7-14 business days after processing to appear on your statement, depending on your bank.
  • PayPal: Refunds are issued back to your PayPal account.
  • Store Credit/Gift Card: If you choose this or lose your receipt, the refund is issued as an e-gift card or merchandise credit, which is often immediate.
  • Cash: In-store purchases returned with a receipt may be refunded in cash, depending on the store’s policy.

What About Sale Items?

Items purchased on sale are subject to the same 60-day return policy as full-price merchandise. As long as they are not marked “Final Sale,” you can return them for a refund to your original payment method.

The refund amount will be the price you actually paid, not the original full price. Always check the tag or website listing for final sale markings before buying discounted items.

International Return Policy

If you are shopping from outside the United States, the return policy is different. International orders cannot be returned to US stores or via the US mail return process.

You must contact Ann Taylor LOFT’s international customer service to initiate a return. You are typically responsible for the cost of return shipping and any customs duties. The 60-day window still applies, but the process is managed on a case-by-case basis.

LOFT Return Policy for Exchanges

Ann Taylor LOFT does not offer direct exchanges through their online system. The process is to return the original item for a refund and then place a new order for the item you want.

In stores, however, associates can usually facilitate an exchange on the spot. They will process a return for the unwanted item and then ring up the new purchase, which can be more convenient than the two-step online process.

Returning Gifted Items

If you received a LOFT item as a gift, you can return it without a receipt for store merchandise credit at the item’s current selling price. You will need to provide a valid ID for this type of return.

The best option is if the giver included a gift receipt. With a gift receipt, you can return the item for a merchandise credit without ID verification, and you’ll get credit for the price the giver paid.

Tips for a Smooth Return Experience

Following a few simple tips can make your return process effortless.

  • Keep Tags On: Never remove tags until you are certain you are keeping an item.
  • Save Packaging: Hold onto the original bag or box for at least the return window, especially for shoes and accessories.
  • File Your Receipt: Take a photo of your paper receipt or save your email confirmation in a dedicated folder.
  • Act Quickly: Don’t let the 60 days slip by. Make a decision as soon as you can.
  • Check the Weather: If you buy a coat in winter but don’t wear it until spring, you might forget to return it before the deadline.

Common Issues and How to Solve Them

Sometimes returns don’t go perfectly. Here’s how to handle common problems.

Lost Receipt or Return Label

If you lost your receipt for an in-store purchase, you can still try to return the item. The store may offer merchandise credit at the current price. For online orders, you can log into your account on the LOFT website to reprint a return label or initiate a return from your order history.

Return Outside 60 Days

The 60-day policy is firm. Returns outside the window are typically refused. In rare cases, a store manager might offer store credit as a one-time courtesy, but this is not guaranteed.

Item Damaged Upon Arrival

If your online order arrives damaged, contact customer service immediately. Do not initiate a standard return. They will likely send a replacement item or a prepaid label for a return and full refund. Take photos of the damage and the packaging as proof.

LOFT Return Policy vs. Competitors

How does LOFT’s policy compare? It’s fairly standard in the retail industry.

  • 60 Days: This is a common and reasonable window, similar to many other specialty retailers.
  • Condition Rules: The “unworn with tags” requirement is almost universal.
  • Final Sale Items: Like most stores, LOFT excludes personal items and clearance-marked goods.
  • In-Store Convenience: The ability to return online orders in-store is a major customer-friendly benefit that not all retailers offer.

Contacting Customer Service

If you have a unique situation or question, reaching out to customer service is the best step.

  • Phone: Call the number listed on the official Ann Taylor LOFT website under “Contact Us.”
  • Email/Help Center: Use the contact form in the help section of their website for non-urgent issues.
  • Social Media: Sending a direct message on platforms like Twitter or Facebook can sometimes get a quick response.
  • In-Store: For purchases from a specific store, visiting or calling that location directly can resolve issues fastest.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long do LOFT returns take to process?

Mail-in returns take about 10-14 business days to process after the warehouse receives them. In-store returns are usually instant.

Can I return to Ann Taylor if I bought at LOFT?

Yes, Ann Taylor and LOFT stores accept returns from both brands, as they are under the same company.

What is LOFT’s return policy without a receipt?

Without a receipt, you may receive store merchandise credit for the item’s current selling price, subject to ID verification and manager approval.

Does LOFT offer free returns?

Yes, online returns come with a prepaid USPS return label. However, international returns and special circumstance returns may incur a fee.

Can I return LOFT items after wearing them?

No. Items must be unworn, unwashed, and have all original tags attached for a return to be accepted. Wearing an item typically voids the return eligibility.

What is the LOFT return policy for online orders?

Online orders can be returned by mail using the prepaid label or in any Ann Taylor or LOFT store within 60 days, with tags attached.

How do I get a refund from LOFT?

Refunds are issued to your original payment method after your return is received and inspected. For in-store returns with a receipt, it’s often immediate.

Understanding the Ann Taylor LOFT return policy gives you confidence when you shop. By following the guidelines on timeframes, item condition, and having your receipt ready, you can ensure any return is straightforward. Always double-check for final sale markings and when in doubt, reach out to their customer service team for clarification before making your purchase.