Target Clearance Return Policy (Complete Guide)
Target, one of the largest retail chains in the United States, regularly offers many deals and promotions that allow customers to save money, such as end-of-season clearance sales.
While these items have dropped significantly in price, you may find yourself wanting to return a clearance purchase from Target for a variety of reasons. So what is Target’s clearance return policy? Here’s what I found!
Target Clearance Return Policy
Target accepts returns on unopened and unused clearance items purchased at Target, Target.com or the Target app. You can return your item within 90 days of purchase with the original receipt, 120 days if you purchased it with Target’s RedCard, or one year if you purchased Target’s own brand.
If you want to learn more about whether Target offers price adjustments on clearance items, how to return clearance items, and whether you can return holiday and seasonal items, keep reading!
How do I return a clearance item at Target?
Clearance items purchased on Target.com or at Target may be returned to any store’s customer service desk using any of the following methods: original receipt, barcode in the Target app, Target delivery or shipping confirmation email, or original form payment.
You may also return clearance items purchased on Target.com by mail, which may incur return shipping charges unless the shipping error was on Target’s behalf.
Some items can only be returned in-store and cannot be mailed back to Target’s online returns center.
Additionally, if your item cannot be returned, you will be notified during Target.com’s online returns process.
Here are the expected wait times based on payment method:
- Target RedCard – 1 to 2 days
- Third Party Credit Cards – 1 to 3 days
- Cash – 1 to 2 days
Additionally, Target refund requests through the Online Returns Center may take up to 5 days to process.
Can I return customs-cleared items to Target without a receipt?
Cleared items may be returned to Target without a receipt if you can provide additional proof of purchase.
If you made a purchase with a Target RedCard, Visa, Mastercard, AmEx, Discover, personal check or a Target Gift Card (which you must keep), Target can locate your order online.
Unfortunately, cash purchases cannot be tracked this way.
Alternatively, you can access a digital barcode or receipt from your Target.com account to prove you purchased clearance items purchased online or through the app.
If you are unable to provide any proof of purchase, you will be issued a Merchandise Return Card for your refund.
This is valid in-store at Target only and cannot be redeemed online at Target.com.
Please note that for all of the above cases, you will need to bring a valid government issued photo ID for verification before the return will be accepted.
Can I return holiday and seasonal clearance items at Target?
You can return holiday and seasonal clearance items at Target, but please note that these items may have modified return policies compared to Target’s standard policies, such as changed return windows.
Additionally, online shoppers are being told that seasonal and holiday clearance items can be returned in-store, but due to the seasonal nature of these items, customers can only be refunded the current clearance price for the item.
Does Target make price adjustments for clearance items?
Unfortunately, Target does not make price adjustments on clearance items, although you are allowed to return clearance items to Target within 90 days.
For example, if you buy a clearance item from Target for $2 and the price drops to $1 a week later, you will not be able to claim a $1 price adjustment as a partial refund due to the item’s clearance status.
What day does Target clear out?
Target shoppers suggest (in online forums) that Target adds different clearance items on different days, Monday through Thursday.
The following are guidelines for clearing items each day:
- Monday – Electronics, children’s clothing and stationery
- Tuesday – housekeeping, women’s clothing, pet supplies and markets
- Wednesday – menswear, toys, health and beauty, lawn and garden supplies
- Thursday – home furnishings, underwear, shoes, sporting goods, movies, music, books, decorations, luggage
How do I buy clearance items at Target?
Clearance items can usually be found on the end caps of their respective departments in the store (usually facing the wall). Clearance racks are not usually seen on the central walkway.
You can find clearance shelves by looking for a large yellow clearance sign with a clearance price on the top of the shelf.
As for buying clearance items online at Target.com or the Target app, there is a designated Clearance Items tab where you can easily find them.
To learn more, you can check out our posts on the Target price drop schedule, the best times to shop at Target, and where you can use your Target RedCard.
Conclusion: Target Clearance Return Policy
You can return customs-cleared items to Target as long as the item is in good condition, within the designated return window, and you keep your receipt.
However, Target does not offer price adjustments on clearance items. When purchasing seasonal or holiday clearance items, check your receipt or online to see if those items have a modified return policy to avoid losing your full refund.
