Walgreens is the US’ leading pharmacy with a whopping $132 billion annual revenue.
They stock a wide range of health and beauty products including a fantastic selection of perfume and Cologne from all of the major fashion houses such as:
- Calvin Klein
- Ralph Lauren
- Vera Wang
- D&G
- Burberry
- Estee Lauder
- Guess
- Jean Paul Gaultier
- Michael Kors and
- Paco Rabanne
If you’ve recently purchased a fragrance from Walgreens but aren’t happy with it, or perhaps it’s an unwanted gift, you’ll need to get up to speed with Walgreens’ returns policy.
Like most stores, they apply a limited returns window in which you can return a product for a refund or exchange.
To help you there, we’ve researched how long you’ll get to return a fragrance, how to initiate a return, when to expect a refund and much more.
Here’s what we found…
What is Walgreens’ Fragrance Return Policy? The Short Answer
In short, you can return fragrances to Walgreens (whether purchased in-store or online) within 30 days of purchase for a full refund or exchange.
You can return fragrances to Walgreens for all manner of reasons such as:
- Unwanted gift
- Mistaken orders
- Defective items (e.g. fragrances that have gone off or are broken)
- If you’ve changed your mind
- Duplicate order
- Wrong item
Can I Return Open and Used Fragrances to Walgreens?
There’s nothing in Walgreens’ policy to stipulate you cannot return opened or used fragrances within 30 days.
Still, your return may be refused if you’ve used most of the bottle, especially if there’s nothing defective about the item.
In case of defective fragrances (e.g. where it goes off quickly or develops a fault), you should be able to make a return without issue provided you’re within 30 days.
Walgreens does stipulate that they may refuse your return if there’s any suspicion of fraudulent activity (e.g. repeatedly making returns).
How to Return Fragrances to Walgreens?
Unfortunately, Walgreens does not have an online return, or mail-in option, and the only way you can make a return is by taking the product to any of Walgreens’ stores.
You should take along the original receipt or order number.
Use Walgreens’ handy store locator to find your nearest store.
Will Walgreens Accept a Fragrance Return Without a Receipt?
Walgreens’ no receipt policy is that the returns without one are subject to approval by the store manager.
If approved, then you will usually be refunded in the form of a gift card to use in-store.
If you don’t have the receipt you can also do the following:
- Check your online account as you should be able to find an order number
- Check your email. You will have been emailed the order number and invoice if you purchased online
- Take a long a copy of your debit or credit card statement showing the transaction
What to Do Outside the 30-Day Return Window?
If the 30-day window has already elapsed there are still some things you can do:
- Take the item to a Walgreens store and speak to a manager. Walgreens does stipulate management have discretion when it comes to returns, although this may mean you’re refunded in gift cards rather than in cash/card reimbursement;
- In case of defective items, write to the manufacturer. Most fragrances don’t come with a specific warranty or guarantee but many brands will offer a refund or some other compensation if the item has gone bad, say, within 6 months or so;
- Sell your fragrance on Facebook marketplace, eBay or online forums.
How Long Will It Take to Get a Refund?
As Walgreens process all returns in-store, it will usually only take a few days max to see the money back in your account depending on your bank or card issuer.
If you paid by check or PayPal, you will be refunded in cash straight away.
How Does Walgreens’ Fragrance Return Policy Compare to the Competition?
We’ve done a handy competitor comparison to see how Walgreens’ policy holds up.
Here is what we discovered:
| Store | Returns Policy |
| Macy’s | 90 days |
| Dillard’s | 30 days |
| Amazon | 30 days |
| Ulta | 60 days |
| Nordstrom | Return any time |
| Costco | Return any time |
| Walmart | 90 days |
Final Thoughts
Walgreens offers a fairly limited 30-day returns policy on fragrances.
However, there is some discretion left to store managers to extend this window so we’d recommend still attempting to return the item, especially if the returns window has only just expired.
Unfortunately, Walgreens does not have a mail-in or online returns process and all items much be returned in-store, which is not ideal, especially if you don’t have a Walgreens close by.
Despite these drawbacks, Walgreens has an excellent selection of perfume and Cologne from all of the major brands making it the ideal place to source your next fragrance for yourself or as a gift.
