Some stores have more generous return policies than others and Costco is famous for their return policy according to the Daily Mail. The warehouse chain offers members a “100 percent satisfaction guarantee” and will even let them bring back half-eaten food if there’s a problem with it. According to their website, Costco doesn’t specify an expiration date on refunds or even require a receipt for returns.
Some shoppers have made headlines for testing the limits of the policy, by returning two-year-old vacuums and couches, and they’ve gotten their money back. But the retailer has to draw the line somewhere and these are the items Costco won’t let you return.
- Electronics purchased more than 90 days ago - Sure, some electronics are part of their limitless return policy, like vacuums, but most can’t be returned for a full refund unless they were bought less than three months ago.
- Cigarettes - Even if they’ve never been opened, you can’t return cigarettes.
- Alcohol - The same goes for alcohol, including wine, beer and spirits.
- Batteries - They’re not generally allowed to be returned for a refund, unless the batteries don’t work or customers aren’t satisfied with their performance in some way.
- Tires - Costco is known for their tire check and fix policy, which even includes free rotation, balance and inflation checks, but you can’t return tires you buy there.
- Gold bars - This isn’t an item shoppers are filling their carts with often, but if you do buy a gold bar, just know it’s not returnable.
- Gift cards - They sell gift cards for other retailers at Costco, and they’re often cheaper than face value, but they’re non-refundable.
- Costco shop cards - Even the gift cards for Costco itself can’t be returned, but you can use them to buy anything in the store.
North Carolina Town Voted One Of Best Small Towns For Shopping
USA Today recently had their readers vote for their "10 best" campaign. One of those categories was "The Best Small Towns for Shopping". And one North Carolina town made the top 10 best small towns for the shopping list! I've never been to this mountain town, so a visit may be in order. Summer is the perfect time to travel and enjoy the mainly open air shopping districts on this list. I'm surprised that I have only been to one of these towns (and it's actually the farthest one away...go figure!) But I have bookmarked multiple of these that I can't wait to visit. Shopping and historic towns are some of my favorite things.
It's not too late to plan your summer getaway and each of these small towns offers a shopping lover's paradise! Especially if you are in to unique and or handmade items. Some of these are mountain towns there could be a good winter destination as well. As long as you don't mind the cold that is. We've got multiple areas of the country covered, so whether you want to fly or drive one of these is doable!
View the full article here or keep reading for the list!
The Best Small Towns For Shopping
According to USA Today Readers
10. Camden, Maine
Located on the mid-coast of Maine you'll find Camden. The downtown is home to many upscale shops, antique shops, and general stores for all your shopping pleasure.
9. New Hope, Pennsylvania
This scenic small town is located on the Delaware River. It's known for its history, bed & breakfasts, and of course shopping. In the downtown district, you will find a sprawling collection of boutiques, gift shops, galleries, and more!
8. Sedona, Arizona
The scenic red rocks aren't the only thing Sedona is known for. There are tons of shopping destinations no matter what you're looking for. Apparel, art, home decor, antiques, beauty, jewelry, and everything else you may want.
7. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
According to CarmelCalifornia.com: Carmel shopping is metropolitan style, though wholly unique in the setting. It is also an all-day experience, and then some. The most discriminating shopper is sure to find something of great appeal in one of the town's hidden passageways or curlicue-roofed shops. From outdoor malls to family-owned boutiques, Carmel offers a shopping environment that wants nothing but infinite time to explore.
6. Dahlonega, Georgia
The best small-town Georgia shopping is found in the northern part of the state in Dahlonega. Gift shops, wine tasting rooms, furniture, antiques, home decor, and more!
5. Highlands, North Carolina
The main street of this mountain town plays host to unique small business shopping. Browse offerings here.
4. Cape May, New Jersey
This quaint town on the Jersey Cape boasts the Washington Mall, a three-block outdoor shopping mall filled with shops, brick pathways, fountains, and benches. More shopping is also available in the Washington Commons and Carpenter Square Mall among others.
3. Montpelier, Vermont
A previous winner of this title is Montpelier. While in this pedestrian-friendly town be sure to browse the numerous independently-owned boutiques, as well as local merchants selling crafts, books, music items, gifts, clothing, decor and much much more.
2. Rhinebeck, New York
You'll find historic Rhinebeck nestled in the Hudson Valley. Shopping in the area is full of Books, Music, Clothing, Shoes, Gifts, Stationery, Furniture, Jewelry, Home Decor, Art, Antiques, Wine & Spirits, and more!
1. Frenchtown, New Jersey
The borough of Frenchtown, NJ is located along the banks of the Hudson River. And its numerous boutiques make it the best small town for shopping in the country! Guess I'll have to check it out.
