I stood in line at the post office last week, staring at the back of a stranger’s head for 22 minutes. I was holding a box that was awkwardly taped shut with painter's tape (because I couldn't find the clear stuff), praying the barcode I printed at the library would actually scan. It’s a ritual I know too well. I actually checked my spreadsheet recently, and I processed 42 returns in 2024—don’t judge me.
But when it comes to Aritzia, the stakes feel higher. The clothes are expensive, the fabrics are delicate, and the return windows are notoriously tight. If you shop there, you know the specific panic of buying a pair of Melina pants, realizing they gap at the waist, and frantically checking the calendar to see if you missed the cut-off.
You are likely here because you have a bag of Wilfred or Babaton items that didn't work out, and you are trying to navigate the aritzia exchange policy without getting stuck with a store credit card you’ll forget to use. Whether you are wondering about sale items or just trying to swap a size, let’s walk through the reality of getting your money’s worth.
Decoding the Aritzia return and exchange policy
The aritzia return and exchange policy is one of the more complex ones in the mall ecosystem because it changes based on how you bought the item and what the discount was.
Here is the breakdown of the standard policy (for full-price items):
In-Store Purchases:
-
Refund: 10 days from purchase.
-
Exchange/Credit: 21 days from purchase.
Online Orders:
-
Refund: 14 days from the shipping date. (This is the kicker—shipping date, not delivery date. If the package takes a week to get to you, your window is tiny.)
-
Exchange/Credit: 30 days from the shipping date.
I learned this the hard way. I once bought a blazer online. It took 8 days to arrive. I tried it on, debated it for 5 days, and then mailed it back. By the time it got to their warehouse, I was outside the refund window and got slapped with a merchandise credit.
Condition Matters: It goes without saying, but items must be unworn, unwashed, and have the tags attached. Aritzia "Educators" (their term for sales staff) are trained to look for signs of wear. I have seen them sniff armpits of sweaters. Seriously.
The "Sale" Section Trap: Can you exchange final sale items?
This is the most common point of confusion. Aritzia has a tiered sale structure, and the return rules change with the discount depth.
Discount is less than 50% off: You can usually return these for store credit or exchange only. You generally cannot get a refund to your original payment method.
Discount is 50% off or greater: These are Final Sale.
So, can you exchange final sale items? officially, no. The policy is rigid. If you bought that sculpt knit top at 60% off and it’s too tight, you are technically stuck with it.
However, and here is where it gets interesting... there is sometimes human discretion involved. If you go into a store and you are polite, and the item is still currently for sale on the floor, a manager might allow you to exchange it for a different size.
I tried this last winter with a pair of sweatpants I bought on final sale. They were comically short on me. I went to the store, explained I didn't want a refund, just a size up. The manager sighed, typed a code into the register, and let me swap them. It’s not guaranteed, but it’s worth a shot if the tags are still on.
The truth about Aritzia price adjustment
There is nothing worse than buying a $300 coat and seeing it drop to $250 the next day. The aritzia price adjustmentpolicy does exist, but it has boundaries.
If an item you purchased goes on sale or is further marked down, you may be eligible for a price adjustment.
-
The Window: Usually within 14 days of purchase (or shipping date).
-
The Catch: The item must be in stock in the exact size and color you bought.
If you bought the last black Super Puff in a size Small and it goes on sale, they might deny the aritzia price matchbecause it’s technically "sold out," so they can't verify the sale price availability.
Also, price adjustments are almost always issued to a Gift Card, not your credit card. So you get the money back, but you have to spend it with them.
(Honestly, I don't know why brands still do this. Just refund the card. But I guess it keeps the cash in their ecosystem.)
Does Aritzia fix clothes? The repair policy explained
One of the hidden perks of Aritzia is their product guarantee. Because the price point is higher (we’re looking at you, $250 parkas), they do stand behind the quality—to an extent.
Does aritzia fix clothes? Yes, under the aritzia repair policy. If you have a manufacturing defect, they will often repair it for free.
Common repairs include:
-
Broken zippers (especially on Super Puffs).
-
Seams that have split (not ripped from wear, but unraveled).
-
Snaps that have fallen off.
My Repair Anecdote: I had a Super Puff vest where the zipper pull just disintegrated after one season. I brought it in (nervously), expecting them to tell me it was normal wear and tear. The associate took one look, agreed it was a defect, and sent it out for repair. It took about three weeks to get back, but they fixed it perfectly for free.
Note: They do not fix "wear and tear." If you snag your silk skirt on a ring or pill your leggings from friction, that is on you.
How to process an Aritzia return (The Standard Way)
If you are within the window and ready to send something back, here is the neutral, step-by-step guide on how to do it.
1. Log into your account Go to the Aritzia website and find your order history. Guest checkout users will need the order number and email.
2. Request the Return Select the items you want to return. The system will tell you right there if it’s eligible for a refund or just credit.
3. Pay the Fee (for Refunds) If you want money back to your card, Aritzia deducts a return postage fee (usually $8.00 plus tax). If you choose Store Credit, this fee is often waived.
4. Print the Label Aritzia generally uses FedEx for returns. You will need to print the shipping label provided in the portal.
5. Pack it Up Put the items back in the box or bag. Ensure the packing slip is inside (or the order number is written on a paper).
6. Drop it Off Take the package to a staffed FedEx location or a drop box. Save your receipt!
Common issues shoppers face with Aritzia returns
While the process is functional, it is rarely delightful. Here are the specific pain points that make the aritzia exchange policy frustrating for frequent shoppers.
The $8.00 Fee Paying to return an item feels outdated, especially when you are spending hundreds of dollars. That $8 fee adds up. If you return five orders a year, that’s $40 just gone.
The "Shipping Date" Clock As I mentioned, starting the return window on the shipping date rather than the delivery date is a major stressor. If shipping is delayed, your time to try on the clothes evaporates.
Printer Access If you don't have a printer, you are stuck. You have to go to a FedEx Office, log into your email on their computer (risky), or find a friend with a printer. It adds friction to the process.
The "Store Credit" Loophole Because the windows are so tight, many shoppers accidentally fall into the "credit only" tier. You end up with hundreds of dollars tied up in gift cards, forcing you to shop there again even if you wanted to break up with the brand.
Box Scavenging If you ripped the original bag (guilty), finding a new box that fits a winter coat is a nightmare. I’ve had to buy boxes at the post office, adding more cost to the return.
Slow Refund Processing It can take 7 to 14 business days after they receive the return to see the money. That’s a long time to have your cash in limbo.
Here’s where it gets interesting—the industry is evolving to solve these exact headaches.
A modern alternative — local, box-free returns
Over the past year, new return options popped up that avoid most of these headaches — especially ones that skip shipping entirely.
While we are used to the "print label, find box, drive to FedEx" routine, third-party networks are emerging to streamline this. One such alternative is Closo.
Closo is a service designed to handle returns through a network of local, vetted spots—often neighbors or small local businesses—eliminating the need for shipping prep.
The process is objectively simpler than the standard mail-in flow:
-
No Labels: You do not need a printer. The return is initiated digitally.
-
No Box: You hand off the item exactly as it is (tags on, of course). No tape or poly mailers required.
-
30-Second Drop Off: You drop the item at a nearby neighborhood spot.
-
Instant Confirmation: You receive proof of the return immediately upon handover.
-
Greener: Items are consolidated locally, reducing the number of individual packages being shipped back and forth.
-
Faster Refunds: Because the item is verified at the local point, refunds are often triggered much faster than waiting for a warehouse inspection.
Why many shoppers prefer using Closo
The shift toward services like Closo is driven by the desire to remove the logistics from the shopping experience.
First, the printer issue vanishes. For the millions of city dwellers who don't have a home office, this is a massive relief.
Second, the packaging waste is eliminated. You aren't wasting tape and plastic just to send a blouse back. It feels cleaner.
Third, the speed. Standing in line at a FedEx Office at 5:30 PM is miserable. Dropping off at a local spot usually has zero wait time.
Finally, it avoids the fee anxiety. While policies vary, consolidated returns are generally cheaper for brands to process, which can sometimes translate to waived fees for the consumer.
Not all brands support Closo yet. If the retailer you’re returning to doesn’t offer it, you’ll need to use the standard return process — though many shoppers now ask brands to add Closo because it makes returns significantly easier.
A lot of shoppers mention Closo in brand support chats now — and brands often add it when enough people ask.
FAQ: People always ask me...
One question I get constantly... Can I return an online order in-store to avoid the fee? Yes! This is the best "hack" for Aritzia. If you live near a boutique, return your online order in person. It is free (no $8 fee), and the refund is usually issued instantly to your card. Just make sure you bring the packing slip or the order confirmation email.
A common thing shoppers wonder is... What if I lost my receipt? If you have an Aritzia account and the order is linked to it, you don't need a paper receipt. They can look it up. If you checked out as a guest and lost the receipt? You are likely out of luck, or at best, you will get store credit for the current selling price of the item (which might be lower than what you paid).
People always ask me... Does Aritzia blacklist returners? There are rumors about this. Like many major retailers, they likely track return frequency. If you return 100% of what you buy for a year, your account might get flagged. But for the average "buy two sizes, return one" shopper, you are safe.
Conclusion
Navigating the aritzia exchange policy requires a bit of strategy. You have to watch the calendar like a hawk, understand the difference between "shipping date" and "delivery date," and know when to cut your losses and accept store credit.
I’ve personally lost about $24 in return fees this year alone because I was too lazy to drive to the mall, and I’ve had to repair a zipper that I thought was a lost cause. But knowing the rules—especially the repair policy and the price adjustment window—helps you get the most value out of your wardrobe.
While standard mail-in returns are still the norm for many, the shift toward local, box-free options is coming.
If you’d love free return and instant refunds, ask your brand if they’re already connected.
For more tips on handling difficult returns, check out our guide on tracking your refund status or read about how to measure yourself to avoid returns.
