Kmart customers will no longer be able to return an item without a receipt. But the popular Aussie retailer told Yahoo Finance this is not a “policy change”.
The chain, which offers low prices on everyday items, has started putting signs in stores and will note on invoices that a receipt will be required for change-of-mind returns from August 1. Customers questioned whether this was a change.
However, a Kmart spokesperson told Yahoo Finance this has always been the policy and that stores across the country are now being asked to enforce it broadly.
“We are communicating this change extensively across multiple customer touchpoints to ensure our customers are well-informed ahead of this change coming into effect,” they said.
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A staff member told Yahoo Finance that previously, it was enforced in a more ad-hoc manner and people could make returns if they were able to prove their identity or even accept a store voucher.
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This could cause confusion for customers going to different stores, with the uniform rollout aimed at reducing issues for staff and shoppers across the board.
Kmart is owned by Wesfarmers, which will also enforce the rule at Target after the two businesses were merged under a $10 billion restructuring.
The move brings Kmart largely in line with the majority of retailers, which expect proof of purchase for change-of-mind returns.
Some customers expressed frustration that this was the case with returning Kmart-brand items like Anko. However, Anko is now also stocked in Target.
How can I make a change-of-mind return at Kmart?
All you need to do from now on is hang on to your receipt if you think you may want to return something.
“Proof of purchase can include physical and digital receipts (through the Kmart & Target App), bank statements and online order invoices,” the Kmart spokesperson said.
A refund will then be put back onto the card the purchase was made on, or in cash if that’s how you’ve purchased.
This does not apply to faulty items, which can be returned without an invoice.
Items need to be returned within 60 days of purchase or 365 days if you are a OnePass member.
Kmart said the item needs to be in resaleable condition so it can’t be worn, or used.
It also needs to come in its original packaging with all instruction manuals and accessories.
There are items you can not return under the change-of-mind policy. This includes cosmetics, fragrances, underwear, pierced jewellery and some bedding.
You can find out all the details on returns here.