Does a store have to allow returns or provide refunds?
Answer
According to General Business Law Section 218 a retail establishment has to post their refund policy. The law specifically allows the retailer or online establishment to not offer a refund policy or charge a restocking fee as long as "2. The sign, required by subdivision one of this section to be posted
in every retail mercantile establishment, and notice required by
subdivision one of this section, shall (a) state whether or not it is
the policy of such establishment or online retailer to give refunds and,
if so, under what conditions, including but not limited to whether a
refund will be given:
(i) on merchandise which had been advertised as "sale" merchandise or
marked "as is;"
(ii) on merchandise for which no proof of purchase exists;
(iii) at any time or not beyond a point in time specified;
(iv) in cash, or as credit or store credit only; or
(v) subject to any fees, including a restocking fee, and the dollar or
percentage amount of each fee; and the policy is posted...."
See: General Business Law § 218-a Disclosure of refund policies​.