Nordstrom, Eddie Bauer, & More: Why They Want YOU To Return Things

The Deal Messiah is fond of saying, “Stores want you to return things you don’t like.” While such statements often fall upon dead eyes and sallow stares, it's true.
Mega-retailers such as Eddie Bauer and Nordstrom offer liberal return policies as part of their commitment to quality.

They WANT you to return something if you don’t like it. Even without a receipt, and with tags removed, they will often look the item up in their system for you. Their rationale is that you will end up buying more of their merchandise if you know you can just bring it back. Psychologically, it helps make your purchasing decisions seem easier and less final.



Eddie Bauer, despite being in the middle of Chapter 11 Bankruptcy, maintains their wide open return policy. As a college undergrad, the DEAL MESSIAH often exercised his “rights” according to Eddie Bauer’s broad return policies.