Chico’s Return Policy

Shopping at Chico’s is a great way to find stylish and comfortable clothing. But what happens if something doesn’t work out? Understanding Chico’s return policy before you buy gives you confidence and makes the whole process simple. This guide explains everything you need to know about returning items, from time limits to condition requirements.

We’ll cover the standard policy for purchases made online and in stores. You’ll learn about returning sale items, using different methods like mail or in-person, and how refunds work. We also include tips for a smooth experience and answer common questions.

Chico’s return policy is designed to be customer-friendly. The core rule is straightforward. You have 60 days from the date of purchase to return most items for a refund or exchange. The items must be in new, unworn condition with all original tags attached.

This policy applies to both online orders and purchases made at any Chico’s store in the United States. Having your receipt or proof of purchase is very important. It makes the process faster and ensures you get your preferred type of refund.

What You Can Return

Most regular-price and sale items from Chico’s are eligible for return within the 60-day window. This includes:

Tops, pants, dresses, and skirts
Jackets and outerwear
Accessories like scarves and jewelry
Shoes (must be in original, undamaged shoe box)
Swimwear (with hygienic liner intact and attached)

What You Cannot Return

For health, safety, and hygine reasons, some items are final sale. These cannot be returned unless they are defective. The main exceptions are:

Face masks
Earrings (for pierced ears)
Cosmetics and fragrance items
Personalized or monogrammed merchandise
Items marked “Final Sale” on the receipt or tag

Condition of Returns

All returns must be in resellable condition. This means:

Original tags are still attached and readable.
Items have not been worn, washed, or altered.
All original packaging is included (like shoe boxes).
For swimwear, the hygienic liner must be perfectly intact.

Stores reserve the right to refuse returns that don’t meet these condition requirements. It’s always a good idea to try items on carefully at home without removing tags.

Return Timeframe: The 60-Day Window

The 60-day return period is key. It starts on the day you bought the item in-store or the day your online order shipped. Don’t wait until the last minute, especially for mail returns. The return must be initiated or received by Chico’s within 60 days.

If you recieved an item as a gift, you have 60 days from the date of the gift receipt to make a return. The refund will go back to the original form of payment used by the gifter, or you can opt for a merchandise credit.

How to Return Your Chico’s Purchase

You have two main options for returning Chico’s items: by mail or in a store. The best method depends on your convenience and how you made the purchase.

Returning Items by Mail

This is the standard method for online orders. Follow these steps:

Initiate the Return Online: Log into your Chico’s account and go to “Order History.” Select the item(s) you wish to return and follow the prompts to generate a prepaid return label. If you checked out as a guest, you’ll need your order number and shipping zip code.
Pack Your Items Securely: Place the items in their original packaging, if possible, inside a shipping box. Attach the prepaid return label to the outside. Remove or cover any old labels.
Ship the Package: You can drop the package off at any USPS location or schedule a pickup. It’s recommended to get a drop-off receipt for your records until the return is processed.
Track Your Return: Use the tracking number on your return label to monitor the package’s progress.

Returning Items In-Store

This is often the fastest option. You can return online purchases to a physical Chico’s store, and vice-versa. Here’s what to do:

Bring Your Items and Proof of Purchase: Take the items, all tags, and your receipt (paper, email, or from the app) to any Chico’s store.
Visit the Register: An associate will help you at the checkout counter. They will inspect the items and process your return.
Choose Your Refund Method: For in-store returns with a receipt, you can usually choose between the original payment method or a merchandise credit. Returns without a receipt will typically be issued as a merchandise credit at the current selling price.

Returning in-store allows you to get your refund or exchange immediately. You can also ask the staff for styling advice if your looking for a different size or color.

Understanding Refunds and Exchanges

Knowing how and when you’ll get your money back is crucial. Chico’s processes refunds in different ways depending on your return method.

Refund Methods and Timing

Credit Card Refunds: If you paid by credit card, the refund will be issued back to that same card. Processing can take 5-10 business days after Chico’s receives your return, depending on your bank.
Debit Card Refunds: Similar to credit cards, but the timing can vary slightly. Check with your bank for their specific policies.
PayPal Refunds: Returns for PayPal orders are refunded to your PayPal balance. This usually happens within 3-5 business days of Chico’s processing the return.
Merchandise Credit/Gift Cards: This type of refund is issued instantly for in-store returns or emailed to you for online returns. It never expires and can be used online or in stores.

How Exchanges Work

Chico’s does not offer direct exchanges through their online return system. Instead, the process involves two steps:

Return the original item for a refund.
Place a new order for the desired item, size, or color.

For in-store exchanges, the process is much simpler. You can return the unwanted item and immediately purchase the new one in the same transaction, as long as the item is in stock at that location.

Sale and Clearance Items

You can return sale and clearance items within 60 days, provided they meet the standard condition policy. However, the refund amount may differ. Always check your receipt, as some deeply discounted clearance may be marked as final sale.

Special Circumstances and Tips

Returns Without a Receipt

If you’ve lost your receipt, don’t panic. Chico’s can often look up your purchase if you used a loyalty account, credit card, or gift card. If they cannot find the proof of purchase, the return will be handled as a non-receipted return.

For non-receipted returns, you’ll receive a merchandise credit for the item’s current selling price. This policy helps prevent fraud and ensures fairness.

Gift Returns

Returning a gift is easy with a gift receipt. The refund will be issued in the form of a merchandise credit or gift card. Without a gift receipt, the non-receipted return policy applies, and you’ll get a credit for the current price.

Defective or Damaged Items

If you receive an item that is faulty, damaged, or incorrect, contact Chico’s Customer Service immediately. They will provide a prepaid return label and expedite a replacement or refund for you. This is handled outside the standard return window, so it’s important to report these issues as soon as you notice them.

Tips for a Smooth Return Experience

Keep Tags On: Always leave tags attached until you’re certain you’re keeping an item.
Save Packaging: Hold onto original bags and boxes for shoes or delicate items until you’re sure.
Act Within 60 Days: Mark your calendar or set a reminder so you don’t miss the return window.
Use the Loyalty Program: The Passport Loyalty Program makes tracking purchases and initiating returns online much simpler.
Inspect Online Orders Promptly: When your package arrives, check all items right away to ensure they are correct and undamaged.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long does Chico’s return policy last?

You have 60 days from the purchase date to return items for a refund or exchange. The clock starts on the ship date for online orders.

Can I return Chico’s items to White House Black Market or Soma?

No. While Chico’s, White House Black Market, and Soma are sister brands, you cannot return Chico’s merchandise to their stores. Returns must go to a Chico’s store or through the Chico’s mail return process.

Does Chico’s offer free returns?

Yes, Chico’s provides a prepaid return shipping label for online returns. Just initiate the return through your account to access the label. In-store returns are always free.

What is Chico’s return policy on swimwear?

Swimwear can be returned within 60 days if the hygienic liner is completely intact and unremoved. All original tags must also be attached. This is a standard policy for health reasons.

How do I return a gift I bought at Chico’s?

If you need to return a gift you purchased for someone else, you will need your original receipt. The refund will go back to your original form of payment. If the gift was purchased with a gift card, a new gift card will be issued.

Can I return worn clothing to Chico’s?

No. All items must be in new, unworn, and unwashed condition with tags attached to be eligible for a refund. Items showing signs of wear or without tags may be refused.

What if I missed the 60-day return window?

Returns submitted after 60 days are typically not accepted for a refund. However, you may contact Customer Service to explain your situation. They might offer a merchandise credit as a one-time courtesy, but this is not guaranteed.

Understanding Chico’s return policy makes shopping there a stress-free experience. By following the 60-day rule, keeping items in new condition, and using your receipt, you can shop with total confidence. Whether you prefer the convenience of mail returns or the instant resolution of a store visit, the process is designed to be straightforward. Always double-check your items when they arrive and don’t hesitate to reach out to customer service if you have any unique issues with your order.