Debenhams

Last verified: August 17, 2026

Return policy at a glance

United States
Return window
21 days
Free return shipping
No
Receipt required
Conditional
In store return for online orders
No
Refund processing time
Not specified
Restocking fee
Not specified

Debenhams allows returns within 21 days of purchase. Most items must be returned by mail or through a carrier drop-off service, though some beauty purchases can be returned in store. Return shipping is not free, and the cost will be deducted from your refund.

How returns work

You can return items by mail using a trackable service, through carrier drop-off options including InPost, ASDA, Evri, and Royal Mail, or in store for beauty products purchased online. To start a return, log into the returns portal with your order number and email or postcode, select your preferred return method, and follow the instructions provided. Keep your proof of postage until your refund is confirmed.

Exclusions and restrictions

Debenhams does not accept returns on perishable items such as food, alcohol, and flowers; unwrapped computer software; custom-made or personalised items; and hygiene-sensitive products including cosmetics, beauty products, swimwear, lingerie, medicines, and toiletries if the seal is broken or the item has been used. Pierced jewellery, vitamins and supplements with broken seals, fashion face masks, and items in non-saleable condition also cannot be returned. Additionally, specific categories have strict conditions: clothing and footwear must be unworn with labels attached; homeware, bedlinen, mattresses, and pillows must be unused in original packaging; furniture must be new and unassembled; and large appliances cannot be installed and incur a £50 collection fee.

Refunds

Refunds are issued to your original payment method or as store credit. The refund is processed upon receipt of your return at the warehouse. Return shipping costs are deducted from your refund amount.

Frequently asked questions

How long do I have to return something to Debenhams?

You have 21 days from purchase to return most items. Specific categories such as clothing, homeware, furniture, and large appliances all follow this same 21-day window, though each has particular condition requirements.

Do I need a receipt to return an item?

You do not need the original receipt, but you do need proof of postage. This proof is required for tracking purposes until your refund is processed. You will use your order number and email or postcode to initiate a return through the portal.

Is return shipping free?

No. Return shipping is not free. The cost of the return shipment will be deducted from your refund amount. You must use a trackable service and keep proof of postage.

Can I return an online purchase in a Debenhams store?

In-store returns are available only for beauty store purchases. All other online orders must be returned by mail or through a carrier drop-off service. You cannot return non-beauty online purchases at physical store locations.

What happens if I want to exchange an item instead of returning it?

Debenhams does not offer exchanges. If you need a different item, you must return your original purchase and place a new order. Your refund will be processed once the return is received.

What condition must clothing be in to be returned?

Clothing must be unworn and unwashed with all labels attached. For footwear, it can only have been tried on indoors. Items that have been worn or washed cannot be returned.

Why can't I return cosmetics and beauty products?

Cosmetics, beauty products, swimwear, lingerie, and other hygiene-sensitive items cannot be returned if the seal has been broken or the item has been used. This restriction exists for hygiene reasons.

How you can return an item

  • By mail , Use trackable service; return fee deducted from refund
  • Carrier drop off , Options include InPost, ASDA, Evri, Royal Mail
  • In store , Beauty store purchases must be returned to store; cannot return online

Step by step

  1. Login to the returns portal with order number and email/postcode
  2. Select your preferred return option from print label or in-store options
  3. Post your return using a trackable service and keep proof of postage
  4. Track your return and await confirmation email when received

Categories with their own return window

Category Window Note
Clothing and footwear 21 days Must be unworn, unwashed, labels attached; footwear tried on indoors only
Homeware, bedlinen, mattresses, pillows 21 days Must be unused in original unopened packaging
Camping equipment 21 days Must be unused in original unopened packaging
Large appliances 21 days Must not be installed, unused, original packaging; £50 collection fee deducted
Furniture 21 days Must be new, unused, unassembled, original packaging

What you cannot return

  • Perishable items , Food, alcohol, flowers cannot be returned
  • Unwrapped computer software , CDs and DVDs if unwrapped
  • Custom-made items , Personalised or custom items excluded
  • Vitamins/supplements with broken seal , Hygiene reasons prevent return if seal broken
  • Fashion face masks , Hygiene reasons; cannot return if used or seal broken
  • Cosmetics and beauty products , Hygiene; no refund if seal broken or used
  • Pierced jewellery , Hygiene reasons prevent return
  • Swimwear , Hygiene; no refund if seal broken or used
  • Lingerie , Hygiene; no refund if seal broken or used
  • Medicines and toiletries , Cannot be returned if used or seal broken
  • Non-saleable condition items , Not in resaleable condition

How your refund comes back

You paid with Refund comes back as
Credit card and debit card Refund to original payment method

Returning without a receipt

Proof of postage receipt required for tracking until refund processed

Exchanges

No exchanges offered. Return item and reorder for replacement; refund processed upon receipt

Damaged or defective items

Contact customer service with order number, product details, photo and description of fault for repair or replacement

What the policy actually says

Every figure above is taken word for word from the retailer page. Here are the exact lines.

Field Quoted from the retailer
Return window days You have 21 days to return your item
Free return shipping Return to us from £2.49 per parcel
Receipt required Please use a trackable service and keep your proof of postage receipt until after your refund is processed
Original packaging required No packaging, no problem! Just pop your items in something non see-through, sealable & waterproof
Refund method issue any refunds due to you back to your original payment method unless you opted for a credit refund
In store return for online Any Debenhams products including beauty which were purchased online can only be returned online and will not be accepted in store

Return policies for similar stores

Checked against the retailer's published policy. Last verified: August 17, 2026

Return policies change without notice. Confirm the current policy with the retailer before you buy.