Hi there. I am wondering what the experiences of others are with regard to returns in France. I looked in the history and there have been some issues reported.
My wife bought a bra in Intermarche near us last week and did not try it on in the store as it is a bit uncomfortable in the changing booths to try on intimate apparel. On reaching home, however, even without trying it she could see it was too small. Turns out that France has a different sizing sytem to the rest of Europe - a 90 elsewhere is a 96 in France.
No problem, or so she thought, and next trip nearby she attempted to return it (5 days after purchase, although it seems that is not relevant) only to be told by the customer service staff that Intermarche has a policy of no returns. No signs in store indicating that and the item was in fully saleable condition complete with all tags, none of which had been removed, and receipts. She tried arguing and seeking a different decision elsewhere but without any movement from them.
We normally use Super-U or Leclerc and have never had a problem returning items to them, nor to Noz nor other discount stores or even independent outlets (although they often insist on a credit note rather than a refund).
Legally I think they have no obligation to offer returns, but as a demonstration of “customer service” it is hardly encouraging a return visit. The amount is insignificant (€10) but the principle really sticks in the craw.
it’s possible though that they are rejecting it because it is underwear - I know you say your wife did not put it on but they may be assuming she did.
UK stores will not accept underwear returns and I suspect the same applies to French outlets. It’s based on hygiene.
However, most larger UK stores and diy accept returns (except underwear) in the original packaging Lidi And Aldi being very accommmodating albeit they now restrict the time to thirty days. My limited experience in France, over many years, has been win 1 - lost 4
I had a bad experience with a well known French retailer. I bought a quite expensive coat from them but a few days later changed my mind and took it back. It was at this point that I discovered that the assistant who folded and put the coat in a bag for me had also removed the coats various tags. On return they said they couldn’t accept it because the tags were missing. I think that was a deliberate policy to stop people returning items. I quite liked a lot of their clothes and shoes and they would have almost certainly got more business from me, but because of this they never got another penny of my money.
Nope. No small print, no big print, and a search online so far has shown no results. However I did find this on another site and the consumer code does indeed include reasons of hygiene, but the “customer service” staff said there was a blanket no returns policy.
This from a UK site, BTW, and M&S have the same policy, even accepting items with tags removed: “Yes, you can return a bra if it doesn’t fit properly. Most lingerie retailers understand that finding the perfect support requires trying garments in your own space. The standard return process typically requires the item to be in original condition with tags attatched.” Obviously knickers are a bit different, although swimwear at least often comes with a hygiene sticker inside and can still be returned if that isn’t removed.
With Super-U we have always been impressed with their no-questions asked policy for returns (sometimes just because we changed our minds) and after this I will likely be even more loyal to them than before.
Intermarche has nothing special that we can’t get from Super-U or other stores and their product quality and prices are, if anything, worse.
I’d try again, mention day of previous attempt and if still no, ask them to kindly indicate the point at which the restriction they say is causing the refusal was brought to her notice. Note carefully their response. Then try again for a concession as a regular customer etc.
She’d be in a stronger position if no available changing room instore at time of her purchase.
Why couldn’t she see it was too small in the shop if she could at home without trying it on? Bite the bullet and try it on, they have individual cabines d’essayage.
Best of all, go to an actual bra shop. There are plenty and you won’t have this problem.
