Return policy comparison · 2026
Aéropostale vs Nordstrom
Policy data verified July 21, 2026 (Aéropostale) and April 17, 2026 (Nordstrom)
Aéropostale
B
3.2 / 5.0 · Good
Winner
Nordstrom
A+
5.0 / 5.0 · Exceptional
The verdict
Nordstrom has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A+ (5.0/5.0) against Aéropostale's B (3.2/5.0). It wins 3 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return window: no time limit versus 60-day window (decent).
Score breakdown
Five axes, 5.0 points total — the same deterministic grader behind every Thrifle policy page.
AéropostaleNordstrom
Return window · worth 2.0
Restocking fee · worth 1.0
Return shipping · worth 1.0
Holiday window · worth 0.5
Transparency · worth 0.5
Key terms side-by-side
| Aéropostale | Nordstrom | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | 60 days (unworn, tags attached, with receipt) | ✓ No time limit (case-by-case) |
| Free returns | In-store only | ✓ Yes |
| Restocking fee | — | None |
| Return shipping | $7 deducted from refund for mail returns | Free prepaid label |
| Holiday extension | — | ✓ Yes - Oct 6 to Dec 24 through Jan 15 |
| Holiday deadline | — | Jan 15 |
| Non-returnable | Washed or worn merchandise, items without original price tags or receipts, online-only items, online purchases made in Canada, room merchandise (bedding and accessories), fragrance (fragrance and online-only items cannot be returned to stores) | Final sale items (rare), some third-party products |
| Watch-out items | Defective items must be returned within 30 days | Nordstrom Rack: 30 days in-store / 40 days online with stricter rules |
Aéropostale tip
Paying with Klarna or PayPal and returning in-store gets you store credit only, not a refund to your original payment method - use mail return if you want your money back on those orders.
Nordstrom tip
Most generous in retail — no strict time limit, gently worn OK. Rack has separate policy (40 days online).
Frequently asked questions
Who has the better return policy, Aéropostale or Nordstrom?
Nordstrom has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A+ (5.0/5.0) against Aéropostale's B (3.2/5.0). It wins 3 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return window: no time limit versus 60-day window (decent).
What is Aéropostale's return window?
Aéropostale's return window is 60 days (unworn, tags attached, with receipt).
What is Nordstrom's return window?
Nordstrom's return window is No time limit (case-by-case).
Does Aéropostale or Nordstrom offer free returns?
Aéropostale: In-store only. Nordstrom: Yes.