In the US, many stores let you return things you do not want, even when nothing is wrong. This surprises many newcomers. But there is no federal law that forces a store to take returns. Each store sets its own return policy.
How a normal return works
Keep the receipt (paper or the digital one in the store app or email).
Keep the item unused, with tags and the original box if you can.
Go to the Customer Service desk, or start the return in the app or website.
Say: "I'd like to return this, please." They may ask why. "It doesn't fit" or "I changed my mind" is fine.
The money goes back to the card you paid with. It can take a few days to appear. Cash purchases are usually refunded in cash.
Typical windows are 14 to 90 days. Electronics, mattresses, opened cosmetics and final sale items often have shorter windows or no returns. The policy is printed on the receipt and on the store's website.
Some stores find the purchase from your card. Others give store credit (money you can spend only in that store) at the lowest recent price, and ask for your ID. Stores track returns, and too many returns without receipts can get you refused.
Price matching and price adjustment
Price matching: some stores lower their price to match a competitor's advertised price for the same item. Show the ad on your phone at the register and ask: "Do you price match?"
Price adjustment: if the item goes on sale soon after you buy it, some stores refund the difference. Ask: "This went on sale. Can I get a price adjustment?"
Rules differ by store and often exclude marketplace sellers and holiday sales.
If you buy something for $25 or more from a salesperson who comes to your home (or a temporary location like a hotel room), the federal Cooling-Off Rule gives you until midnight of the third business day to cancel. The seller must tell you about this right. It does not apply to purchases in a normal store.
A warranty is a promise to fix or replace a broken product. Most new products come with a free manufacturer's warranty.
At the register you may be offered an extended warranty or "protection plan" for extra money. It is optional. Check what the free warranty and your credit card already cover before you pay.
Throwing away receipts for expensive items. Take a photo of each one.
Using items you plan to return. Many stores refuse used items.
Missing the deadline. Write the last return day on the receipt.