I have to admit something slightly embarrassing: I made 42 returns in 2024—don’t judge me.
My home office has slowly transformed into a shipping depot. There is a stack of broken-down cardboard boxes in the corner that threatens to topple over every time I walk by, and I am constantly hunting for that one roll of clear packing tape that always seems to disappear right when I need it most.
Just last month, I stood in a line at a UPS Store for 20 minutes, holding a box containing a pair of boots that were half a size too small. The person in front of me was trying to ship a bicycle (yes, a bicycle), and the printer behind the counter was jamming. By the time I finally got my receipt, I had wasted my entire lunch break.
It is a relatable consumer pain that we all deal with. We love the convenience of buying online, but the "reverse logistics"—the fancy term for sending things back—is often a nightmare of fees, labels, and lost time.
If you shop at Bloomingdale’s, you are dealing with a retailer that prides itself on luxury service. But does that luxury extend to the bloomingdales return policy? I have navigated their system dozens of times, returning everything from high-end makeup to heavy winter coats.
Here is the honest, deep-dive breakdown of how to get your money back without losing your patience.
The Core of the Bloomingdale’s Return Policy
Here’s where it gets interesting. For years, Bloomingdale’s (and its parent company, Macy’s) had a legendary "return anything, anytime" vibe. But a few years ago, they tightened the reins. The current policy is still generous compared to the 14-day windows you see at fast-fashion retailers, but there are strict boundaries you need to know.
You have 90 days to return most items.
If you return an item within that 90-day window, you get a refund to your original form of payment. It’s clean and simple. However, the items must be in "saleable condition." This means:
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Tags must be attached.
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No stains, odors, or signs of wear.
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Original packaging is preferred.
The "Final Offer" Trap
Here is what most shoppers don’t realize until it's too late: Items marked "Final Offer" are final sale. These are usually the deep-discount clearance items (often ending in .96 or .93 prices). I once bought a gorgeous cashmere sweater on a "Final Offer" sale, realized the color washed me out, and was stuck with it because the system physically wouldn't let me generate a return label.
Always check your receipt or the product page for that "Final Offer" text. It is legally binding in their eyes.
Navigating the "Easy Return" Portal
If you bought online, you are likely going to use the digital portal. The URL is plastered on their packing slips: www.bloomingdales.com/easyreturn.
I used this just last week for a handbag return. The interface is straightforward, but there are a few quirks.
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Lookup: You need your order number (starts with '1') and your zip code.
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Selection: You check the items and choose a reason.
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Method: You choose between a printer-required label or a QR code (if available for your location).
Once you initiate the return on www.bloomingdales.com/easyreturn, you have to actually ship it.
The Shipping Fee Reality
Does Bloomingdale's charge for returns? It depends.
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If you are a Loyalist: Returns are free. Being a Loyalist is free (it’s just their rewards program), so honestly, I don’t know why anyone shops there without signing up. I signed up purely to avoid return fees.
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If you are NOT a Loyalist: A shipping fee (usually around $9.95) will be deducted from your refund if you use their label.
This is a "gotcha" fee that hits guest checkout users the hardest. Sign up for the account. It saves you ten bucks immediately.
The Infamous "B-Tag" Policy
Now the tricky part. If you are buying a dress for a wedding, a gala, or a prom, you are going to encounter the "B-Tag."
Bloomingdale’s faced a massive issue with "wardrobing"—people buying expensive dresses, wearing them for one night, and returning them the next day. To combat this, they introduced a large, black, reinforced plastic tag attached to the exterior of the dress.
The policy is strict: If the B-Tag is removed, you cannot return the dress.
I have a vivid memory of buying a sequined gown for a New Year’s Eve party. The B-Tag was placed right on the hemline. I debated cutting it off because I wasn't 100% sure about the fit, but I knew once I snipped that plastic, I effectively owned the dress. I ended up keeping it, but that tag is the ultimate commitment ceremony.
Do not try to hide the tag or reattach it. It’s designed to be tamper-evident. If you send a dress back with a broken B-Tag, they will send it right back to you, and you’ll be out the money and the shipping time.
Decoding the Bloomingdale’s Makeup Return Policy
Beauty returns are always a gray area in retail. Can you return a lipstick you tried once and hated?
The bloomingdale's makeup return policy is surprisingly lenient. Their official stance is that they accept returns on "gently used" beauty products.
I once bought a foundation that looked perfect in the store lighting but made me look orange in natural daylight. I had used two pumps of it. I took it back to the counter, explained the shade match issue, and they processed the refund without blinking.
However, "gently used" is subjective.
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Okay: Swatched once, pumped once, opened but unused.
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Not Okay: Half-empty bottle, shattered palette, used mascara (hygiene risk).
If you abuse this, they track it. But for genuine shade mismatches or skin reactions, they are very accommodating.
How to Get a Bloomingdale’s Price Adjustment
Here is a way to get money back without actually returning anything. It’s called the bloomingdales price adjustment.
If you buy something at full price, and it goes on sale within 10 days of your purchase, you can ask them to refund the difference.
My Personal Win: I bought a pair of Sam Edelman loafers for $150. Seven days later, the "Friends & Family" sale started, and they dropped to $112.50. I started a chat with customer service online, gave them my order number, and they credited $37.50 back to my card in about five minutes.
The Rules:
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It must be within 10 days.
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You have to ask (it’s not automatic).
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The exact size and color must still be in stock (this is the catch that sometimes disqualifies you).
What Happens with the Bloomingdale’s Return Policy After 30 Days?
Since the standard window is 90 days, you might wonder why people search for bloomingdale's return policy after 30 days. This usually confuses people who are used to the stricter 30-day limits of other stores.
At Bloomingdale’s, day 31 is perfectly fine. Day 60 is fine. You are safe until day 90.
But what about after 90 days? This is where you enter the "Manager's Discretion" zone. Officially, the computer system rejects returns after 90 days. However, if the item is pristine and current (still being sold on the floor), a manager mightoffer you merchandise credit for the lowest selling price of the last 180 days.
I wouldn't bank on this. I tried to return a set of unused bath towels about four months after buying them (I found them during a move), and the store associate politely declined. They have tightened up significantly on late returns.
Common Issues Shoppers Face with Bloomingdale's Returns
Even with a 90-day window, the process isn't flawless. Here are the specific pain points that make the bloomingdales returns policy frustrating in practice.
1. The Printer Requirement
If you are returning by mail, you generally need a printer. The "Easy Return" portal generates a PDF. If you don't have a printer, you have to find a UPS Access Point that supports mobile codes, but not all of them do. I’ve driven to a UPS drop box only to realize I couldn't print the label there.
2. The Slow Refund Window
While they say "10 business days," that is two full weeks. If you return a $400 coat, having that money in limbo for half a month is annoying. I’ve noticed that during high-volume times (like post-Christmas), this can stretch to three weeks.
3. "Lost" Packages
I once had a return stuck in "Label Created" status for five days after I dropped it off. I spent an hour on the phone with customer service trying to prove I had actually mailed it.
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Parenthetical aside: (Always, always get a drop-off receipt. I stick mine to the fridge until the money is in my bank account.)
4. Box Scavenging
Bloomingdale's shipments often come in plastic bags that rip when you open them. To return the item, you have to find a new box. I’ve spent more time than I care to admit reconstructing a cardboard box with duct tape just to send back a sweater.
Over the past year, new return options popped up that avoid most of these headaches — especially ones that skip shipping entirely.
A Modern Alternative — Local, Box-Free Returns
There is a new wave of return services appearing that challenges the old "print, pack, and pray" method. One of the leading concepts is Closo.
Closo is designed to eliminate the friction of traditional returns by using a network of local hosts. Instead of interacting with a shipping carrier, you interact with a vetted person or business in your community.
Here is how Closo works objectively:
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No Labels: You do not need to generate or print a shipping label. The system identifies your return digitally.
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No Box: You don't need to repackage the item. You can hand it over as-is (even if you ripped the original bag).
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Fast Drop-off: The transaction takes seconds. There is no weighing or measuring.
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Instant Confirmation: You get a digital receipt immediately upon hand-off.
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Greener: By consolidating returns at a local level before shipping them in bulk, the carbon footprint is reduced compared to individual express shipments.
Why Many Shoppers Prefer Using Closo
When I talk to friends about returns, the conversation almost always pivots to "I just don't have time." This is where Closo fits in.
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Convenience: Dropping an item off at a neighbor’s house or a local shop on your morning walk is infinitely easier than driving to a mall or a shipping center.
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No Equipment Needed: The fact that you don't need a printer or packing tape is a massive selling point. I haven't owned a functional printer in three years, so this is huge for me.
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Speed of Refund: Because the item is verified in person by the host, the refund trigger is often much faster than waiting for a warehouse scan.
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Cost Savings: It often bypasses the deduction of return shipping fees that some brands charge for mail-in returns.
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.
People Always Ask Me About Bloomingdale's Return Details
I get asked very specific questions about the bloomingdale return policy (often while my friends are standing in a fitting room). Here are the most common ones.
"Can I return an online order in-store?"
Yes, absolutely. This is usually the fastest way to get your money back. You avoid the shipping fee and the transit time. Just bring your order confirmation email (on your phone is fine) and the card you used to pay.
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Aside: (Be prepared for the store layout though. The return desk is often tucked away on the top floor, forcing you to walk past all the new merchandise. It’s a trap!)
"What if I used a gift card?"
If you return an item bought with a gift card, you will get a new gift card (usually a "Happy Returns" card or merchandise credit). Do not expect cash back.
"What about ShopRunner returns?"
If you have a ShopRunner membership (free with many Amex cards), you can use it for free return shipping on eligible items. You have to select the ShopRunner option in the return portal. I use this all the time to dodge the non-Loyalist shipping fee.
Conclusion
The bloomingdales return policy online and in-store is a solid, reliable system. The 90-day window is a luxury in an era where 14-day returns are becoming common. Being able to get a bloomingdales price adjustment is a perk that has saved me real money over the years.
However, the reliance on printers, the strict B-Tag rules, and the slow processing times for mail-in returns are reminders that the system is still stuck in the past. I’ve had great experiences returning in-store, but my mail-in experiences have ranged from "fine" to "where is my money?"
While some brands still don’t support local returns, the industry is clearly moving toward box-free, label-free solutions. Until every retailer gets on board, keep your receipts, sign up for the Loyalist program to save on fees, and for the love of fashion—don't cut that black tag off the dress until you are sure.
If you’d love free return and instant refunds, ask your brand if they’re already connected.
Check out our guide on managing online orders or read about how return policies are changing in 2025.
