It’s a scenario we far too frequently find ourselves in: You order three pairs of the same jeans in different sizes and lengths, just to find the perfect fit, and now you’re stuck with … two extra pairs of jeans (plus the so-so shirt, swimsuit and shoes) that you need to return within 30 days. And by the time you get around to wrangling all the rejects, you can’t seem to locate the mailing bag that everything came in or the shipping label you just printed out.
Well, fret not, shoppers — Happy Returns lets you skip most of the steps you don’t want to take and makes the returns process truly seamless. You won’t need any boxes, bags or labels, either, and you might even be rewarded with a coupon or discount when you use the return service. While it may sound too good to be true, the Happy Returns business model serves as a win-win for both businesses and consumers.
What Is Happy Returns?
Happy Returns is a growing “software and reverse logistics company” that was founded in 2015 and acquired by UPS, from PayPal, in October 2023. Happy Returns essentially partners with brick-and-mortar chains to host in-store Return Bars, where returns are accepted on behalf of e-commerce businesses.
You might already be familiar with the convenience of a Return Bar if you’ve ever returned an Amazon purchase to a Whole Foods or Kohl’s for a box-free, label-free returns experience — no printer, tape or frustration required.
How Does Happy Returns Work?
In the true hassle-free fashion we deserve, the Happy Returns process is incredibly simple and can be summarized in three steps: Get a QR code from Happy Returns, take your items to a Return Bar, and share the QR code with an employee for a refund.
Your returned items will be inspected and approved on the spot by the on-site return specialist, or Returnista, so there’s no waiting period between you dropping off the returns and receiving your refund. Amazing, right? According to the company’s FAQ, refunds to debit or credit cards are initiated on the spot, and they can take up to three to five business days to post to your account. Refunds in the form of gift cards or store credit are typically issued for immediate use.
Which Retailers Participate in Happy Returns?
While the list of participating businesses isn’t quite as long as we’d like (yet!), it includes top brands like Allbirds, Everlane, Figs, Lands’ End, Levi’s, Pact, Princess Polly and Revolve — and the roster will only keep expanding as more companies decide to make the returns process easier on themselves and their shoppers.
See the (nearly) complete list of merchants that partake in Happy Returns, aka the stores that you can shop at without worrying about the hassle of regular returns. It seems like the merchant list provided on the Locations page, which pops up when you click the “Start a Return & Get a QR Code” button, is actually more up to date.
How Will I Know If I Can Use Happy Returns?
The most surefire way to confirm that a retailer partners with Happy Returns is by looking for a mention directly on the merchant’s website, like on the Lands’ End return policy page, and you’ll be greeted with a smiley that has an H for an eye:
When you place your order with a participating retailer, you should receive an order confirmation email that details how make your return through Happy Returns. Unfortunately, for now, you can’t take just any item to a Return Bar, since the service is specifically for partnered businesses.
Where Are Return Bars Located?
Where can you find one of these Happy Returns locations? Turns out, there are nearly 10,000 Return Bar locations in the U.S., and 90% of Americans live within 10 miles of one — most likely your local UPS, Ulta, Staples, Petco or World Market.
Retailers opt into serving as Return Bars because of the extra foot traffic brought in, and some even incentivize shoppers by offering exclusive discounts, usually in the form of an emailed coupon, for making their returns. So, you’re not only benefiting from the convenience of the Return Bar — but you’re also getting a sweet deal out of it, too, should you decide to shop at the store you’re making your happy returns at.
Current Promotions and Discounts
- Staples: 15% off any qualifying in-store purchase.
- World Market: 10% off any qualifying in-store purchase.
- Ulta Beauty: $5 off any qualifying in-store purchase over $15.
- Petco: $10 off any qualifying in-store purchase over $40.
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