Return policy comparison · 2026
Carter's vs Coterie
Policy data verified April 17, 2026 (Carter's) and July 24, 2026 (Coterie)
Winner
Carter's
A-
4.0 / 5.0 · Very Good
Coterie
C-
1.5 / 5.0 · Below Average
The verdict
Carter's has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A- (4.0/5.0) against Coterie's C- (1.5/5.0). It wins 3 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return window: 90-day window (above average) versus window not published.
Score breakdown
Five axes, 5.0 points total — the same deterministic grader behind every Thrifle policy page.
Carter'sCoterie
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
| Carter's | Coterie | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | ✓ 90 days | No returns (limited store credit for unopened wrong-size packs only) |
| Free returns | ✓ Yes (in-store) | No |
| Restocking fee | None | None |
| Return shipping | Customer pays mail shipping | Not applicable — no shipping-back process; store credit is applied without a physical return |
| Holiday extension | ✓ Not specifically extended | None published |
| Non-returnable | Final sale items, altered items, gift cards, opened personal care | All diaper products (returns not accepted); opened packs are not eligible even for store credit |
| Watch-out items | Standard 90-day window | — |
Carter's tip
Same family as OshKosh B'gosh — return items at either store. Items must be unworn with tags.
Coterie tip
Ordered the wrong diaper size? Don't open the pack — an unopened wrong-size pack can get limited store credit toward your next order, but there's no help once it's been opened, since they don't offer size-exchange replacements at all.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the better return policy, Carter's or Coterie?
Carter's has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A- (4.0/5.0) against Coterie's C- (1.5/5.0). It wins 3 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return window: 90-day window (above average) versus window not published.
What is Carter's's return window?
Carter's's return window is 90 days.
What is Coterie's return window?
Coterie's return window is No returns (limited store credit for unopened wrong-size packs only).
Does Carter's or Coterie offer free returns?
Carter's: Yes (in-store). Coterie: No.