So, you bought a pair of jeans from Hollister that looked amazing online, but they just don’t fit the same way in your room. Or maybe that super-soft graphic tee had a tiny flaw you didn’t notice until you got home. We’ve all been there. Figuring out what to do next can feel a little confusing, but don’t worry—you’re not stuck with them. Knowing the ins and outs of the Hollister return policy is your first step to a stress-free resolution and getting your money back or finding something you’ll truly love.
Whether you shopped online or visited one of their bustling stores, Hollister has a process in place to handle returns and exchanges. It’s designed to be straightforward for their customers. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from time limits and condition requirements to the different ways you can send something back. Let’s get you sorted out so you can get back to enjoying that California-inspired style with complete confidence.
What You Need to Know About Returning Items
The foundation of any good return experience is knowing the basic rules. Hollister gives you a generous 60 days from the date of purchase to initiate a return for a full refund to your original payment method. This is a really comfortable window that allows you to truly decide if an item is right for you without feeling rushed.
For a return to be accepted, the items must be in their original condition. This means they haven’t been worn, washed, or altered in any way. All original tags should still be attached, and the item should be returned with any packaging it came with, like the dust bag for a jacket or the special box for shoes. It’s also crucial to have your proof of purchase, which is typically your packing slip or the email confirmation you received with your online order. If you’re returning a gift, the process is a little different, and we’ll cover that in a moment.
Making a Return with Your Original Receipt
If you have your receipt or packing slip, you’re in the easiest possible scenario. You have two main options for getting your return processed. The most immediate solution is to head to your nearest Hollister or Gilly Hicks store. An associate will be able to process your return right at the register, and if you paid with a card, the refund will typically go back to that card within a few business days. If you paid with cash, you’ll likely receive cash back.
Your other option is to return your items by mail. This is perfect if there isn’t a store nearby or you simply prefer the convenience of shipping from home. You’ll need to start the process online through the Hollister returns portal. They will guide you through printing a prepaid shipping label. Just pack your unworn items with the tags attached and the original packing slip into a box, attach the label, and drop it off at a designated shipping location. It’s a simple process, though the refund will take a bit longer to appear in your account since it has to travel through the mail and their processing center.
What If You’ve Lost Your Receipt?
Don’t panic if you can’t find your receipt. All is not lost. Hollister can often look up your purchase if you used a credit card, debit card, or their loyalty program, the Hollister Club Cali, at the time of checkout. Your best bet in this situation is to visit a physical store where they have the tools to search for your transaction.
If the purchase cannot be verified, Hollister may still accept the return, but it will typically be for merchandise credit at the item’s current selling price rather than a refund to your original payment method. This is still a great outcome, as it allows you to pick out something else you’ll enjoy from the store.
Navigating the Hollister Return Policy for Gifts
Returning a gift can feel a little tricky, but Hollister has a system for that, too. Since the person returning the gift won’t have the original payment method, the return is almost always handled as an exchange or for merchandise credit. The key item you need is the gift receipt. If the giver included one, you can take the item and the gift receipt to any Hollister store for a smooth exchange or to get a gift card for the value of the item.
Without a gift receipt, the options become more limited. A store associate may be able to help if they can identify the item in their system, but the return will be for the current sale price as store credit. This is why including a gift receipt is always a good idea when giving a Hollister present—it gives the recipient the most flexibility.
Things to Keep in Mind for a Smooth Return
While the policy is generally customer-friendly, a few items have special rules. For hygiene and safety reasons, face masks, swimwear, and underwear are typically final sale and cannot be returned unless they are defective. Always double-check the product details online before purchasing these items.
Also, be mindful of the condition of the items you are returning. If an item shows signs of wear, has deodorant stains, or has a smell, the return may be denied. The goal is to ensure the product can be resold to another customer. Sticking to the 60-day window and keeping everything in its original, new condition is the surest path to a successful return.
Your Hassle-Free Return Checklist
Before you head to the store or pack your box, quickly run through this list to make sure you have everything you need:
- Item is unworn, unwashed, and unaltered.
- All original tags and labels are attached.
- You have the packing slip, receipt, or gift receipt.
- The return is within 60 days of the purchase date.
- Any original packaging (like shoe boxes) is included.
Knowing the Hollister return policy inside and out takes the guesswork out of shopping. You can buy with the confidence that if something isn’t quite right, you have a clear and fair path to a solution. So go ahead, find your fit, and enjoy that laid-back style, knowing that a great return experience is part of the package.