I have so many mixed feelings about retail return policies after 25 years in the business at 5 major retailers.
First, I would agree that there are policies, and there are exceptions. I am much more likely to make an exception for a customer who brings in (I am brick and mortar) receipts, and possibly the garment to ask for the adjustment. And if they are nice and polite - especially to the sales team. Rudeness reverts me back to the policy very fast in defense of the front line team.
Second, having worked within an experimental "we will take anything back anytime" policy last year which now has changed to some fairly strict guidelines, I didn't see too many more "abuses" than we do now. But, we also had everyday low pricing so no adjustments were needed. Needless to say, we all know how that experiment ended up. I guess US consumers would rather play the sale and coupon game which is really rather silly imho. So much better off before for price but no one could see that. As far as returns go, we have people who obviously have found items (with tags on) in closets and want to return a year or more later. If the item is still in inventory, we can return w/o receipt for a store credit. I did have someone upset at me after I made that offer for her and she demanded cash. She really wasn't into the compromise. She called corporate and they told her she was lucky I made the exception at all.
Third, as a consumer, I would ask for a price adjustment if it is within about 30 days. That seems reasonable. It isn't right to buy a winter coat, wear it all winter and ask for price adjustment at end of season. That's just me.
Fourth, if you ask and they agree - no guilt needed! Companies have policies, training and supervisors to hold team's accountable to their expectations. Don't feel bad if they bend the rule for you - it's a win win most likely.

Ok - long winded - sorry! I hope you ask for the adjustments. Everyone should be as educated consumers as you all are as it would make retailers jobs so much better

Gaylene, I absolutely feel we have obligations to the merchants.

• To be polite at all times to all SA and staff.
• To pay our bills promptly.
• To keep merchandise that we might return in genuinely pristine, "unworn" condition. Which means not wearing it apart from trying it on in our homes or the fitting room (whichever is relevant). And by endeavouring not to perspire in it, smear makeup on it, or otherwise treat it shabbily. (If I wouldn't treat my own clothes that way, why would I treat something that I might not even keep that way?)
• To make our returns within the season or the time frame offered by the merchandiser (whichever is shorter.)
• If requesting a price adjustment, to consider the company's stated rules and the reasonableness of our request. Unworn items that could be returned for original selling price and re-purchased at new sale price if not price adjusted -- that seems reasonable.

Worn items already used for the entire season? No. NOT reasonable. The whole reason we buy at start of season is so we get the pleasure of wearing it in advance. Of course it might go on sale later! That's a given. If we wear the heck out of our clothes we'll already have used it enough times that we won't give a fig about that money.

That's where the NAS is unique. Pre-season sale...so nobody has had the chance to wear the heck out of it yet when it goes on additional discount.

All I can say is, if this means they are about to stock the store with a pile of new autumn stuff, I am waiting with credit card in hand!

I think you've nailed the guidelines, Suz!

I agree with Suz. And I generally try to return everything that does not fit within a week or two of purchase, and return any other items I am on the fence about within a month. This usually means that these items are still being sold online when I return them - I figure this gives the store an opportunity to sell them.

I am actually kind of curious whether online SAs have access to customer history (I would imagine they can at least see previous orders) and whether past customer behavior influences their decisions on price adjustments and such.

I think they can see your order history. I know at least that if you order internationally, the clerks responsible for helping with those orders can see that portion of your history. (I know this because a SA who recently helped me could see a previous order and mentioned it to me -- there had been problems with Fifty-One on both orders, alas...)

Yes, SA have access to a customer's buying history or at least her online history. Nordstrom's generous policy with me has resulted in their getting 90% of my business. I check their web site multiple times per day (!!!) for markdowns, including markdowns on items I've already purchased, as well as new stuff. I try not to abuse their policies and wouldn't return worn items, but if their policies change they would not remain my #1 go-to place.