You need to know the Shoe Carnival return policy before you buy. It’s the best way to shop with confidence, knowing you can easily bring items back if they don’t work out.
This guide will walk you through everything. We’ll cover time limits, condition rules, and how to make a return in-store or by mail. You’ll also learn about exceptions for special items and what to do if you lost your receipt.
Shoe Carnival Return Policy
The core Shoe Carnival return policy is designed to be straightforward. You have 45 days from the date of purchase to return most items for a refund or exchange. The shoes or merchandise must be in new, unworn condition with the original tags and packaging.
You’ll also need your original receipt or proof of purchase. This 45-day window gives you plenty of time to decide if your purchase is right for you. It’s a customer-friendly policy that aims to make your experience positive.
What You Need for a Successful Return
To make sure your return goes smoothly, gather these items before you head to the store or mail your package:
- The original receipt, packing slip, or order confirmation email.
- The item in its original condition (unworn, unwashed, with all tags attached).
- The original shoebox, which should be in good condition without major damage.
- The original form of payment, if you’re seeking a refund to your card.
In-Store Returns Process
Returning an item to a Shoe Carnival store is usually the fastest option. Here’s how it works in a few simple steps:
- Bring the item and all original packaging (including the shoebox) to any Shoe Carnival retail location.
- Provide your original receipt or proof of purchase to the associate at the register.
- The associate will inspect the item to ensure it meets the return condition standards.
- Once approved, you can choose between a refund to your original payment method or an even exchange for another item.
Refunds to credit or debit cards can take a few business days to appear on your statement, depending on your bank. If you used cash, you’ll get cash back. For check purchases, the refund is processed through Shoe Carnival’s corporate office and may take longer.
Online & Mail-In Returns Process
If you ordered from shoecarnival.com and don’t live near a store, you can return by mail. The process is a bit different but still simple.
- Log into your Shoe Carnival account online and navigate to the “Order History” section.
- Find the order containing the item you wish to return and select “Return Item.”
- Follow the prompts to generate a prepaid return shipping label and packing slip. You have 45 days from the ship date to initiate this.
- Pack the item securely in its original box, then place that box inside a shipping box. Attach the label.
- Drop the package at a designated carrier location (like UPS).
Important note: Shoe Carnival deducts a $7.95 return shipping fee from your refund for mail-in returns. This fee is waived if you choose to return your online purchase to a physical store instead. Once the return is received and inspected at their warehouse, your refund will be processed, which can take up to 10 business days.
Condition of Items: What “New and Unworn” Really Means
The most common reason for a return to be denied is condition. “New and unworn” means exactly that. Here’s what to avoid:
- Any signs of wear on the soles or inside the shoe.
- Scuffs, dirt, or marks on the exterior material.
- Removed or damaged original tags and labels.
- A damaged or heavily marked shoebox. The box is considered part of the product.
It’s okay to try shoes on indoors on a clean surface. But wearing them outside, even once, will void the return policy. Associates are trained to check soles and interiors carefully.
What About Defective Items?
If you receive a item with a manufacturer’s defect, the rules are different. This includes things like a broken strap, a separated sole, or a significant stitching flaw.
Contact Shoe Carnival customer service immediately if you discover a defect. They will often extend the return window for these cases and provide a prepaid label. You can also take a defective item directly to a store for a full refund or exchange, even after the standard 45 days, as long as the defect is verifiable.
Exchanges Made Simple
Want a different size, color, or style? Exchanges are easy. In-store, you can simply pick the new item and the associate will process a direct swap. If the new item costs more, you’ll pay the difference. If it costs less, you’ll get a refund for the difference.
For online orders, the easiest path for an exchange is to process a return for a refund and then place a new order for the item you want. This is often faster than a traditional warehouse exchange.
Special Considerations and Exceptions
Not every product follows the standard 45-day rule. It’s important to check the details for certain categories.
Clearance and Final Sale Items
Items marked as “Clearance” or “Final Sale” are typically not eligible for return or exchange. This is usually clearly stated on the price tag or online product page. Always double-check before buying these deeply discounted products.
Specialty Footwear
Some performance or specialty shoes, like certain athletic models, may have specific return guidelines. While they are generally covered by the standard policy, it’s a good idea to ask an associate at the time of purchase if you have any concerns.
Accessories and Socks
For hygiene reasons, items like socks and shoe care accessories must be returned in unopened, original packaging. If the package has been opened, the return will likely not be accepted.
Lost Your Receipt? Here Are Your Options
Don’t panic if you can’t find your receipt. Shoe Carnival may still be able to help. If you made the purchase in-store with a credit or debit card, they can often look up the transaction using your card. A driver’s license may be used for a merchandise return, where you receive store credit for the item’s current selling price, not necessarily the price you paid.
For online purchases, your order confirmation email or account order history serves as your proof of purchase. Without any proof, the store manager has discretion to offer a merchandise credit at the lowest recent selling price.
Refund Methods and Timing
How you get your money back depends on how you paid and how you returned the item.
- Original Credit/Debit Card: Refunds are processed back to the original card. This can take 3-10 business days to post after the return is approved.
- Cash: You will receive cash back immediately for in-store returns.
- Check: Refunds for check purchases are issued from the corporate office and mailed, which can take several weeks.
- Store Credit/Gift Card: If you opt for this or it’s the only option (like with a lost receipt), you’ll receive a Shoe Carnival eGift Card or physical gift card immediately.
- Buy Now, Pay Later (like Klarna): Contact the payment service directly, as the refund will be handled through them to adjust your installment plan.
Tips for a Hassle-Free Return Experience
A little preparation makes the process quick and easy. Follow these tips:
- Keep the original shoebox and tags on the shoes until you’re sure you’re keeping them.
- File your receipt in a safe place or take a photo of it with your phone immediately after purchase.
- For online orders, keep the shipping box and packaging until you’ve decided to keep the item.
- If you’re unsure about sizing, try shoes on indoors on a carpeted surface to keep them pristine.
- When returning by mail, consider using a trackable shipping method (the prepaid label usually is) and keep your drop-off receipt until the refund posts.
Extended Holiday Return Policy
Shoe Carnival usually offers a more flexible return window for purchases made during the peak holiday season. Typically, items bought between November 1st and December 24th can be returned until late January of the following year.
This exact date changes slightly each year, so always verify the current year’s holiday policy on their website or ask an associate at the time of purchase. The extended policy is a great benefit for buying gifts early.
International Returns
Shoe Carnival’s online store primarily serves the United States. They generally do not ship to international addresses, and returns from outside the U.S. are not accepted. If you managed to purchase through a third-party service, you would need to work with that service for any returns, as Shoe Carnival’s standard policy would not apply.
Contacting Customer Service
If you have a unique situation or a question about a specific return, it’s best to contact Shoe Carnival directly. You can reach them at 1-812-491-9850, Monday through Friday during business hours. You can also use the contact form on their official website under the “Customer Service” section.
For the fastest resolution with an online order, have your order number ready. For store purchases, have the store location and date of purchase if possible.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long do I have to return shoes to Shoe Carnival?
You have 45 days from the original purchase date to return most items for a refund or exchange, as long as they are in new condition.
Can I return worn shoes to Shoe Carnival?
No, the Shoe Carnival return policy requires items to be in new, unworn condition with original tags and packaging. Light indoor try-ons are acceptable, but any signs of wear will void the return.
Does Shoe Carnival offer refunds?
Yes, Shoe Carnival offers refunds to the original form of payment for items returned within 45 days in new condition. With a receipt, you can get a full refund. Without one, you may receive store credit for the current price.
What is Shoe Carnival’s exchange policy?
Exchanges are simple within the 45-day window. You can bring the item to a store and directly swap it for another size or style. For online orders, it’s often quicker to process a return and place a new order.
Is there a return fee for online orders?
Yes, if you choose to return an online order by mail, a $7.95 return shipping fee is deducted from your refund. You can avoid this fee by returning the item to any Shoe Carnival retail store instead.
Can I return clearance items?
Items marked “Clearance” or “Final Sale” are typically not eligible for return or exchange. Always check the product details before buying clearance merchandise.
How long do Shoe Carnival refunds take?
Refunds to a credit or debit card can take 3 to 10 business days to appear on your statement after the return is processed. In-store cash refunds are immediate.
What if I lost my Shoe Carnival receipt?
If you paid with a card, the store may look it up. Otherwise, you may be offered a merchandise return for store credit at the item’s current selling price with a valid ID.
Understanding the Shoe Carnival return policy takes the stress out of shopping. By knowing the 45-day window, keeping your items in new condition, and holding onto your receipt, you can shop for shoes with total peace of mind. Whether you prefer the convenience of a local store or the ease of online shopping, their policy is designed to be fair and accessible for every customer.