Refund Policy

Our return and refund policy is designed to provide customers with a straightforward and convenient way to request assistance when a purchase does not meet their expectations. We want every shopping experience to be positive, and we understand that there may be occasions when an item needs to be returned or exchanged. To ensure that all requests are handled consistently, customers are encouraged to review the following guidelines before sending merchandise back or visiting a retail location.

Eligible merchandise may be returned within 30 days from the original purchase date for a refund of the purchase price, including applicable sales taxes. To qualify, products must be unused, unopened, and in new condition. Customers must also provide valid proof of purchase, such as an original sales receipt, order confirmation, billing statement, or packing documentation included with an online shipment. Items that do not satisfy these requirements may not qualify for a refund or exchange.

Refunds are generally processed using the same payment method used for the original transaction. For purchases completed with a credit card, debit card, or mobile payment service, customers should bring the original payment method when visiting a retail location. If the original payment method cannot be presented, or if the purchase was completed through a payment service that does not support direct refunds at the store, the refund may instead be provided as an electronic store gift card. The value of the credit will correspond to the eligible amount of the returned merchandise.

When an item is returned with a gift receipt rather than the original purchase receipt, the refund will be provided as electronic store credit. Such requests must be submitted within 60 days of the original purchase date. The amount credited will reflect the purchase value shown on the available gift receipt. Cash refunds and refunds to the original purchaser’s payment account will not be available for transactions processed using this method.

Certain merchandise is subject to additional restrictions because of its packaging, condition, or customized nature. Products supplied in shrink-wrapped, sealed, or protective packaging cannot be returned once the original packaging has been opened or removed. An exception may be considered when the merchandise is defective. In such circumstances, an exchange may be offered for an identical replacement product rather than a refund. Customers should retain the original packaging whenever possible to help facilitate the review of defective merchandise.

Products purchased through another retailer, marketplace, distributor, or independent seller must be returned directly to the original point of purchase. Each external seller maintains its own return and exchange requirements, and purchases made outside our sales channels cannot be processed through our retail locations or online returns department.

Promotional purchases may also have specific return conditions. Merchandise included in a multi-item offer, such as a promotion in which customers receive an additional product at no charge after purchasing qualifying merchandise, is generally eligible for exchange rather than an individual refund. If every item included in the promotional transaction is returned together within the standard 30-day return period, a refund may be issued for the eligible purchase. Items originally supplied at no additional cost may only be exchanged for merchandise of equal or lower value. Customers wishing to return promotional purchases should ensure that all related products are included when requesting a refund.

Some products and services are excluded from standard return and exchange arrangements. These exclusions include balloon arrangements, specially customized merchandise, food products, workshop registrations, and delivery or shipping charges. Certain paper products purchased online are also final sale, including individual flat paper sheets, specialty fine paper, and solid paper measuring 26 by 19 inches or larger. Because these products may be prepared, selected, or handled according to specific requirements, they cannot be accepted for return or exchange.

Merchandise that has been used, damaged through customer handling, or otherwise fails to meet the required return condition may be declined. Requests submitted after the 30-day return period, requests without acceptable proof of purchase, and products that are not part of our merchandise selection are generally ineligible. All returned items are subject to inspection and verification before a refund or exchange is approved.

Returning Items Purchased Online

Customers who purchased merchandise through our online store may choose between returning eligible items at a participating retail location or sending them to our designated returns processing facility. Both methods require sufficient order information to identify the original transaction and verify the returned merchandise.

For customers who prefer an in-person return, eligible online purchases may be brought to a participating store. Please bring the merchandise together with the packing documentation, order confirmation message, or billing summary associated with the purchase. The original payment method should also be available when requesting a refund. Store representatives can review the transaction details and explain the available refund or exchange options based on the condition of the merchandise and the applicable return requirements.

Customers may locate a convenient retail location through the store directory available on our website. Before making a visit, we recommend checking the relevant location information to confirm that the store can assist with the requested return.

Alternatively, customers may send eligible merchandise directly to our returns processing department. The original shipment documentation generally contains instructions explaining how to prepare and package a return. When available, a designated return label and the appropriate destination information will be provided with the shipment materials.

If the original package does not contain a packing slip, customers should print a copy of the shipping confirmation email received when the order was dispatched. This document must be placed inside the return package so that the processing team can identify the original purchase. The corresponding order number should also be clearly written on the outside of the shipping carton.

Returns submitted without a packing slip or an acceptable shipping confirmation document may not be processed because the transaction cannot be reliably verified. In such cases, the refund may be delayed or declined until the necessary purchase information is supplied. Customers should carefully check the contents of their return package before sending it.

When returning merchandise because the wrong product was delivered or an ordered item was missing, please clearly identify the merchandise that should have been included in the original shipment. This information should be written on the accompanying return documentation. Providing a detailed explanation helps the warehouse team investigate the discrepancy and determine the appropriate way to handle the request.

Return Shipping and Processing

Customers who choose to mail their returns are responsible for arranging and paying the associated return transportation costs unless otherwise expressly authorized. Original delivery charges and return shipping expenses are generally non-refundable. The shipping label or packing slip included with an order should not be assumed to provide prepaid postage. Customers should arrange suitable shipping services and retain their mailing confirmation and tracking information until the return has been successfully processed.

All mailed merchandise must be packaged securely to prevent additional damage during transportation. Customers are encouraged to use protective packaging and select a delivery service that provides shipment tracking. Please ensure that the order number and all required documentation are included before sealing the package.

Our returns department cannot guarantee the recovery of merchandise that is lost during return transportation. Customers are therefore responsible for selecting an appropriate shipping method and keeping evidence of shipment. We recommend retaining the tracking receipt until confirmation of delivery and completion of the return request.

Returned merchandise should be directed to the following processing address:

Customer Returns Department
Online Order Returns
Order Number: Please include your original order number
1 Barnes & Noble Way
Monroe Township, NJ 08831
United States

Refunds will be reviewed after the returned merchandise and supporting documentation have been received. Processing times may vary depending on shipping conditions, payment methods, inspection requirements, and the volume of requests being handled. Once a refund has been approved, the time required for the funds to appear in the customer’s account may also depend on the financial institution or payment provider.

Customer Assistance and Policy Updates

If you have questions about return eligibility, missing documentation, defective merchandise, or the progress of a return request, our customer support team can provide additional guidance. Please contact [email protected] and include your order number, a description of the issue, and any relevant purchase information. Providing these details will help us review your request more efficiently.

We reserve the right to review, revise, or update these return conditions when necessary to reflect changes in merchandise availability, business operations, customer service procedures, or applicable legal requirements. Any revised policy will be published through the website and will apply according to its stated effective date.

By completing a return request, customers acknowledge that the merchandise must satisfy the applicable eligibility requirements and that refunds and exchanges are subject to verification. These guidelines are intended to establish a consistent process, protect customers and the business, and ensure that every eligible return is handled fairly and efficiently.

Condense the policy for faster scanningAdd headings for standard return rules