Citi Trends Return Policy

If you’ve ever bought something that didn’t work out, you know a good return policy is key. Understanding the Citi Trends return policy can save you time and ensure you get your money back or find a better item. This guide breaks down everything you need to know, from time limits to the condition your items need to be in. We’ll make it simple so you can shop with confidence.

The Citi Trends return policy is designed to be straightforward for customers. In most cases, you have 30 days from your purchase date to return items for a refund or exchange. You’ll need your original receipt or the credit card used for the purchase. The policy covers most items, but there are some important exceptions to keep in mind.

What You Can Return

Citi Trends accepts returns on a wide variety of merchandise. This includes clothing, shoes, accessories, and home goods. The items must be in their original condition. That means they should be unworn, unwashed, and have all original tags attached.

Men’s, women’s, and children’s apparel
Footwear
Jewelry and handbags
Bedding and home decor items
Electronics and toys (must be unopened in original packaging)

What You Cannot Return

Some items are final sale and cannot be returned. It’s crucial to check this before you buy, especially during clearance events.

Swimwear and intimate apparel if the hygiene liner is removed or damaged.
Items marked as “Final Sale” or “As-Is” on the receipt or price tag.
Gift cards (these are non-refundable).
Any item that shows signs of wear, damage, or is missing tags.
Personalized or altered merchandise.

The 30-Day Return Window

You have 30 calendar days to initiate a return. The clock starts on the day you make the purchase. It’s a good idea to start the process sooner rather than later. If you wait to long, you might miss the deadline and be stuck with your item.

Proof of Purchase is Required

You must provide proof of purchase for any return. The easiest form is your original printed receipt. If you paid with a card, the store can often look up the transaction using that card. Without a receipt, you may only be eligible for store credit at the current selling price, which could be lower than what you paid.

Condition of Items for Return

For a return to be accepted, the item must be in resellable condition. This is a non-negotiable part of the policy. Here’s what that means:

All original tags and labels must be attached and intact.
The item cannot have any stains, odors, or damage.
Footwear should be tried on a clean, carpeted surface only and returned in the original box.
Electronics and toys must have sealed, unopened packaging.

How to Return an Item to Citi Trends

You have two main options for returning items: in-store or by mail. The in-store method is usually faster and more convenient if you have a local Citi Trends nearby.

In-Store Return Process

Returning an item to a physical Citi Trends store is simple. Follow these steps:

Gather the item(s) you wish to return, ensuring they are in original condition with tags.
Locate your original receipt or the credit/debit card used for purchase.
Visit any Citi Trends store. You do not have to go to the same location where you bought the item.
Bring the items and receipt to the cashier or customer service counter.
The associate will inspect the items and process your refund or exchange.

Mail-In Return Process

If you can’t get to a store, you can return items by mail. This process takes a bit longer. Here’s how it works:

Start by contacting Citi Trends Customer Service at 1-844-248-4847 to request a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number. You cannot ship returns without this number.
You will receive instructions and potentially a return shipping label. Note that return shipping fees may be deducted from your refund.
Securely package the item in its original packaging if possible, including all tags. Enclose a copy of your receipt.
Clearly write the RMA number on the outside of the box.
Ship the package using a trackable mail service. Keep your tracking number until the refund is processed.

Refund Method for Mail Returns

Refunds for mail returns are typically issued in the form of a Citi Trends gift card. If you insist on a original payment method refund, you must contact customer service directly, and it may take longer. Refunds to your card can take up to two billing cycles to appear.

Refunds and Exchanges

Knowing how you’ll get your money back is just as important as the return itself. Citi Trends has standard methods for issuing refunds.

How Refunds Are Issued

The method of your refund usually depends on how you paid.

Credit/Debit Card Purchases: The refund is issued back to the original card. It can take 5-10 business days to post to your account after the return is processed.
Cash Purchases: You will receive a cash refund.
Check Purchases: Refunds are issued by company check and mailed to you, which can take several weeks.
Gift Card Purchases: The refund is issued back onto a new Citi Trends gift card.
Mixed Payment Purchases: If you used a combination (e.g., gift card and credit card), the refund is typically issued to the original payment methods in reverse order.

Exchange Process

If you want a different size or color, an exchange is often the easiest route. You can process exchanges in-store. Simply bring the item you wish to exchange with its receipt. If the new item costs more, you’ll pay the difference. If it costs less, you’ll receive the difference as a refund. For online purchases, it’s often faster to return the original item and place a new order for the item you want.

Special Considerations and Exceptions

A few situations require extra attention. Being aware of these can prevent frustration later.

Holiday Return Policy

During the winter holiday season, Citi Trends often extends its return window. Purchases made in November and December may be eligible for return until late January. The exact date changes each year, so always check your receipt or the website for the current year’s holiday policy. This is a great benefit for gift-givers.

Clearance and Sale Items

Most sale items can be returned under the standard policy. However, items marked “Final Sale” at the time of purchase are exactly that—final. They cannot be returned or exchanged. Always check the price tag or receipt for this notation before buying clearance merchandise.

Damaged or Defective Items

If you receive a damaged or defective item, contact Citi Trends immediately. The 30-day window still applies, but they will often make exceptions for these cases and may offer to cover return shipping. Have your order number and photos of the damage ready when you call customer service.

Tips for a Smooth Return Experience

A little preparation makes the return process quick and easy. Here are some pro tips:

Keep Your Receipts: File them in an envelope or take a photo with your phone immediately after purchase.
Leave Tags On: If you’re unsure about an item, keep all tags attached until you’re certain you’ll keep it.
Act Quickly: Don’t let the 30 days slip away. Mark a reminder in your calendar if your prone to forgetting.
Inspect Online Orders Fast: When your online order arrives, open it promptly and check for any issues right away.
Know the Policy: Bookmark this page or the official Citi Trends policy page for quick reference.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long do I have to return something to Citi Trends?

You have 30 days from the purchase date to return most items. The holiday season may have an extended deadline.

Can I return online purchases in-store?

Yes, you can return items bought online at any Citi Trends retail location. Just bring the item, its original packaging, and your packing slip or order confirmation email.

What if I lost my receipt?

If you paid with a credit or debit card, the store may be able to look up the transaction. Otherwise, you may receive store credit for the item’s current selling price, which might be lower than what you paid.

Does Citi Trends offer return labels?

For mail-in returns, you must first contact customer service for an RMA number. They will then provide instructions on how to ship the item back, which may include a prepaid label. Fees for return shipping might apply.

Are Citi Trends returns free?

In-store returns are free. For mail-in returns, shipping costs are sometimes deducted from your refund. It’s best to ask customer service about any potential fees when you request your RMA.

Can I return swimwear?

Swimwear can only be returned if the hygienic liner is fully intact and undisturbed. If it has been removed or tampered with, the item cannot be returned for health and safety reasons.

How long does a mail-in refund take?

After the warehouse receives your return, it can take up to 10-14 business days to process. The refund itself may then take additional time to post to your account, depending on your bank.

Contacting Customer Service

If you have a complex issue or a question not covered here, reaching out to Citi Trends directly is your best bet. You can contact there customer service team for help with returns, defective items, or lost packages.

Phone: 1-844-248-4847
Website: Visit the “Contact Us” page on cititrends.com.
Social Media: They are active on platforms like Facebook; sending a direct message can sometimes get a quick response.

Understanding the Citi Trends return policy puts you in control of your shopping. By keeping your receipts, noting the return window, and ensuring items stay in new condition, you can handle any return or exchange without stress. Remember to check for specific holiday extensions and always verify if an item is final sale before purchasing. With this knowledge, you can shop at Citi Trends knowing you have options if your purchase isn’t quite right.