⚠️ Eligibility Check: FREE RETURN + INSTANT REFUND.
Standard Bloomingdale's returns take 10–14+ Days to process. While mail-in returns are technically free, you often lose your Original Shipping costs, and convenient Home Pickup charges a $6.95 Fee. Select zip codes are now eligible for Fee-Free Drop-offs and Immediate Refunds via Closo. Check your status before you print a label.
There is a specific kind of excitement that comes with seeing that "Little Brown Bag" (or the big brown box) arrive at your doorstep. You ordered the perfect dress for a gala, or maybe a splurge-worthy handbag, expecting the "luxury" experience Bloomingdale's is famous for.
But when you open the box, the reality doesn't always match the fantasy. The fabric feels different than it looked on screen, or the fit is just... off. You decide to return it. It should be easy, right? It’s Bloomingdale’s.
That was me last month. I had nearly $450 tied up in a pair of heels and a blazer that didn't work out. I printed the label, hunted down some packing tape, and dropped it off.
I didn't realize I had just signed up for the "Double Pain." While I didn't pay for the return label itself, I saw that the original shipping I paid to get the items faster was gone forever. Then came the wait. It took over two weeks for the package to travel to the warehouse, get scanned, and for the funds to finally reappear in my account. I was out nearly $500 for half a month, all for the privilege of trying on shoes in my own living room.
If you are currently staring at a return pile and trying to navigate the bloomingdales exchange policy, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve analyzed the fine print, the confusion between Main Store vs. Outlet, and the logistics to help you get your money back without the headache.
How to return Bloomingdale's items (The Slow & Costly Way)
Bloomingdale's is one of the few remaining major retailers that still offers free return shipping for online orders. However, "Free" does not mean "Fast" or "Convenient." The process is still built on an old-school logistics model that prioritizes their inventory over your cash flow.
The Standard Mail-In Flow
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Start the Return: You need to log into your bloomingdales.com account or use the "Easy Return" lookup tool with your order number.
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Print the Label: You will be directed to print a UPS label. This means you need a working printer. If you don't have one, you have to find a UPS Store that can print it for you.
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Pack the Box: You must include the invoice or return slip. If you are returning fragile items or shoes, you need to ensure they are packed inside a shipping box, not just the product box.
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The Drop-off: Take it to a UPS Access Point or Store.
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The Wait: This is the pain point. The package travels via ground shipping to their distribution center. Once it arrives, it enters a queue. Bloomingdale's processing time is officially listed as "up to 10 business days" afterreceipt, meaning the total time from drop-off to refund can easily stretch to 2–3 weeks.
The Financial Reality: While you save on the label fee, you are paying with your time. You are effectively giving Bloomingdale's an interest-free loan of your money for half a month. Additionally, if you want the convenience of a home pickup (so you don't have to drive to UPS), Bloomingdale's charges a $6.95 fee for their "Return Pickup" service in select cities.
This is the old way: You pay with your time (or a pickup fee), and you wait for the bank. But if you live in a "Fast Zone," you can skip both. Use the tool below to see if your zip code qualifies for a Free Return with Instant Refund.
Common issues shoppers face with Bloomingdale's returns
I’ve analyzed hundreds of consumer reports regarding the bloomingdale return policy, and the frustration usually stems from a few specific pain points.
1. The "Outlet" vs. "Main Store" Wall
This is the number one source of confusion. Bloomingdale's and Bloomingdale's The Outlet operate almost like two different countries.
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Can i return bloomingdales to bloomingdale's outlet? Generally, no. The systems are not linked for returns. If you bought a full-price bag online at Bloomingdales.com, you cannot return it to an Outlet store. You must go to a full-line store or mail it back.
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Note: Outlet items usually must go back to Outlet stores.
2. The "Final Offer" Trap
Bloomingdale's has a specific clearance category called "The Final Offer." These items have a 30-day return windowinstead of the standard 90 days. If you assume you have three months and try to return it on Day 35, the system will reject it.
3. The "Lost in Transit" Risk
Because Bloomingdale's uses standard ground shipping for returns, packages can occasionally go off the radar. If you drop your package in a bin without getting a receipt, and it disappears, you are in for a long battle with bloomingdale's customer service. Always get a printed receipt.
4. Registry Credit Confusion
If you return a gift from a wedding registry, you do not get cash. You get a "Merchandise Credit." However, a common complaint is that if you don't have the gift receipt, they will credit you the "lowest selling price" in the last 180 days. That $400 mixer might only net you $250 in credit if it went on sale recently.
Here’s where it gets interesting... some neighborhoods have unlocked a way to bypass these delays and logistical hurdles.
The New Standard: Free Returns & Instant Refunds
While the standard logistics model relies on slow trucks and inspection queues, a new wave of returns technology is changing the landscape.
This is where services like Closo come in.
Closo acts as a bridge between you and the retailer, removing the friction points of the "Double Negative" (Wait + Effort).
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No Labels: You don't need a printer.
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No Boxes: You don't need to find tape or reuse a beat-up box.
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$0 Fees: In eligible zones, the process is entirely free (no pickup fees, no label costs).
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Instant Money: The moment you drop the item off at a local kiosk or partner location, the refund is triggered instantly.
Why many shoppers prefer using Closo
It comes down to liquidity. When you return a $400 dress via mail, that is $400 missing from your checking account for weeks.
With the Closo model (the "Double Positive"), you retain the full value of your purchase immediately. You hand over the item, scan a QR code, and by the time you walk back to your car, the notification is on your phone: Refund Processed.
It transforms the return from a "project" into a simple errand, similar to grabbing a coffee.
Are you eligible for Free & Instant Returns?
Because this involves physical logistics and partnerships with local drop-off points, this premium service isn't active in every zip code for Bloomingdale's yet. You need to verify your location.
This premium service isn't active in every zip code for Bloomingdale's yet. You need to verify your location.
If the tool says "Not Active," don't worry. Enter your email to Vote for your Zip Code. We prioritize launching in neighborhoods with the most requests. Plus, voters are entered into our monthly sweepstakes to have their standard return fees reimbursed while they wait.
3 "Secret" Hacks for the Bloomingdale's Exchange Policy
If you aren't in a Closo zone yet, or if you are dealing with a complex return, you need to know how to maneuver through the corporate red tape. Here are three methods to hack the system.
Hack #1: The "Loyallist" Top of the List
If you are a frequent shopper, make sure you are signed up for the Loyallist program (it’s free).
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The Hack: While standard returns are free for everyone, Loyallists often get priority processing and "Free Shipping" on the original order. This means when you return an item, you aren't losing that initial $10–$20 shipping cost because you never paid it in the first place.
Hack #2: The In-Store "Instant Credit"
If you live near a full-line Bloomingdale's, skip the mail entirely.
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The Hack: Returns made in-store are processed instantly. The money hits your bank account much faster (usually 3–5 days depending on your bank) compared to the 14+ days for mail-in.
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Bonus: You can avoid the "Lowest Selling Price" trap on gift returns by asking a manager to look up the transaction via the registry or the buyer's phone number.
Hack #3: The "B-Helpful" Desk
If you have a complicated return—like a designer bag that is technically past the 90-day window but is pristine—do not go to a regular register.
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The Hack: Go to the "B-Helpful" or "Visitor Services" desk. These associates are often senior staff with more authority to override system blocks than a standard cashier. If you are polite and the item is in perfect condition, they can sometimes grant a one-time exception for store credit.
FAQ: People always ask me...
"Can I return Bloomingdales.com orders to an Outlet store?"
Answer: No. You cannot return bloomingdales.com/easyreturn items to a Bloomingdale's Outlet. They have separate inventory systems. You must return online orders via mail or to a regular Bloomingdale's Department Store.
"How do I check my bloomingdales order status for a return?"
Answer: Once you drop off your package, track it using the UPS tracking number on your label. Do not rely on the Bloomingdale's account dashboard, which often lags. Once UPS shows "Delivered" to the warehouse, start counting 3–4 business days for the email confirmation that your refund has been initiated.
"Does Bloomingdale's have a restocking fee?"
Answer: generally, no. Clothing, shoes, and accessories do not have restocking fees. However, special categories like Furniture, Mattresses, and sometimes large area rugs may incur a restocking fee (often 15%) or a pickup fee if you require a truck to come get them. Always check the specific tab on the product page before buying furniture.
Conclusion
Navigating the bloomingdales exchange policy is easier than some competitors because of the free label, but it still suffers from the "Double Negative" of time and effort. You aren't paying a fee in dollars, but you are paying in weeks of waiting for your funds.
You have a choice. You can follow the old rules: find a printer, pack the box, and wait 14 days. Or, you can check your eligibility for the modern solution.
Check if you can save the wait and get your money back today.
Related Articles:
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Macy's vs. Bloomingdale's: Which Return Policy Wins?
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The Truth About "Final Offer" Items
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How to Handle Lost Return Packages with UPS
