Best Buy shortens window for returns; price-matching promotion becomes permanent

Minnesota-based Best Buy says its return policy is being shortened by half. However, the company's holiday price-matching promotion is becoming permanent.

The company says customers now have 15 days — down from 30 — to return items.

Customers who show Best Buy employees a lower price for a product from an online or store competitor will have that price matched, said Matt Furman, company spokesman. Customers can also bring a purchased item back if Best Buy lowers the price, up to 15 days after purchase. The changes take effect March 3.

Furman said the policy is aimed at ending a practice called showrooming, where people come to Best Buy to see a product and then buy it online.

"As part of our turnaround and transformation efforts, we've recommitted to improving the customer experience. And we know one of the key elements to the customer experience, of course, is being price-competitive," Furman said. "With that in mind, we decided to end showrooming for our customers and ensure them that they come in to our store and see a product they want, they'll get it at the lowest price."

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