Columbia Return Policy (Guide): Returns, Exchanges & Refunds Explained

This guide explains how the Columbia Sportswear return policy works for products purchased online from Columbia’s official stores in major regions including the United States, Canada, Europe and the United Kingdom. The policy describes how long you have to return items, what condition they must be in, how refunds are processed, and how exchanges work.

Return Policy – Key Points at a Glance

Return window (US & Canada): Most online purchases can be returned within 60 days from the date of shipment for a refund. Holiday purchases made between mid-October and early December may be returned until late January.
Return window (UK & Europe): For orders on the official UK/EU Columbia sites, returns are typically accepted within 30 days of receipt.
Condition: Items must be unworn, unused, in original condition with all tags attached, and footwear must include the original box.
Refund method: Refunds are typically issued to the original payment method after Columbia receives and inspects the return.
No direct exchanges: Columbia does not offer direct online exchanges; you return for a refund and place a new order for the replacement item.
Original shipping & return charges: Original shipping fees and return shipping are generally not refunded unless the return is due to an error by Columbia.
Third-party purchases: Items bought from other retailers must be returned according to that retailer’s policy.

United States – Online Returns

If you bought an item on Columbia.com in the United States:

You can return eligible products within 60 days of shipment for a refund to your original payment method.
Items must be in original, unworn condition with all tags still attached; footwear should include the original box.
Sales promotions or discounts are prorated per item.
Online returns can be shipped back via UPS or returned in person at a Columbia store (if available), though store policies may differ and must follow specific return requirements.
If you return items directly to a Columbia retailer, the store may process the return based on its own terms, and methods like PayPal or Apple Pay may affect how refunds are issued.

Holiday Return Extension

Columbia typically extends the return window for online purchases made between mid-October and early December, allowing returns until late January of the following year.

Refund Timing

After Columbia receives your return and verifies the item is unworn and complete:

Refunds are processed back to the original payment method.
It usually takes a few business days (often around 7–10) after inspection before the refund posts, though this can vary by bank or payment provider.

Canada – Online Returns

For orders placed on the official Columbia Canada site:

The return window is also typically 60 days from shipment, with holiday extensions for qualifying purchases.
Items must be unworn and in original condition with tags attached and the footwear box included.
Refunds are made to the original payment method once the return is received and inspected.
Returns can be shipped via local carriers or dropped off at designated postal locations; procedures can vary.

United Kingdom & Europe – Online Returns

If you ordered from a Columbia UK or European online store:

Returns are usually accepted within 30 days of receipt under the voluntary return policy.
Items must be unused and in original condition with tags attached and packaging included.
Returns typically require initiating your return online and shipping via a carrier such as UPS or a local partner.
Refund processing after receipt and inspection can take up to around 15 business days depending on the region.
Under applicable consumer law (e.g., UK/EU distance selling regulations), you also have statutory cancellation rights independent of Columbia’s voluntary policy.

No Direct Online Exchanges

Columbia does not provide a direct “exchange” option for online customers. If you need a different size, colour, or style:

Return the original item within the applicable return window.
Place a new order for the replacement item you want.

Condition & Packaging Requirements

To be eligible for a refund, returned items must:

Be in unworn and unused condition with no signs of wear or damage.
Have all original tags attached.
Include all original packaging (such as footwear boxes) where applicable.
Be returned from the same country where they were delivered.
Columbia may reduce or refuse a refund for items that show signs of use or don’t meet these criteria.

Non-Returnable Items & Restrictions

Items bought from third-party retailers (e.g., REI, Bass Pro) must be returned through that retailer.
Some promotional or clearance items may be marked as final sale and are not eligible for return.
Original shipping costs and return shipping charges are not usually refunded unless the return is due to a Columbia error.

Tips for a Smooth Return

Start your return early within the return window.
Keep all original packaging and tags until you’re sure you’re keeping the product.
Use Columbia’s online returns portal to generate the correct return label and instructions.
Retain tracking information until your refund is processed.

Quick FAQ

How long do I have to return a Columbia online order?

In the U.S. and Canada, most online purchases can be returned within 60 days of shipment (with holiday extensions for late-season orders). In the UK and Europe, the return window is typically 30 days from receipt.

Can I return to a store?

Some Columbia stores will accept returns of online purchases if you provide order information and meet the condition requirements, but policies can vary and in some regions online returns must be mailed in.

Are exchanges offered?

No. You must return the original item for a refund and then place a new order for the replacement item.

What condition must return items be in?

Items must be returned unused, unworn, with original tags attached and complete packaging.

What items are non-returnable?

Third-party retail purchases and items marked final sale are generally non-returnable under Columbia’s online policy.