Safeway Return Policy Explained: Without Receipt, Time Limit, etc

Short Answer

Safeway accepts the return of most items with a receipt to the store it was originally purchased at. This includes perishable and nonperishable items like meat, produce, and household items — but not alcohol and baby formula. The time limit to make a return varies; Safeway returns are handled on a case-by-case basis. If you don’t have the receipt, you can make an even exchange or a Safeway store associate may be able to look up your purchase. Returns with a receipt will be refunded to the original payment method; some returns under $5 will be refunded in cash. Returns without a receipt may be refunded on a Safeway gift card. For more details, see below.

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Safeway Return Policy

You can return or exchange most items at Safeway grocery stores as long as you have the receipt and you return the item to the store where you originally purchased it, according to Safeway’s corporate customer service department. You can return perishable and nonperishable items but not alcohol or baby formula. And, the return of items purchased from the floral department are subject to a store manager’s approval.

Safeway Return Policy Without Receipt

Without a receipt, you can make an even exchange or a store associate may be able to look up your transaction. An associate will ask you for the date and approximate time of your visit, as well as the credit card used to make the purchase, to look up the receipt. Transactions cannot be looked up by phone number.

Without proof of purchase, returns over $5 may be refunded on a Safeway gift card; a store manager may approve a cash refund for returns under $5. Returns made with a receipt will be refunded to the original payment method. Refunds less than $5 are often given in cash regardless of the original payment method.

Time Limit for Returns

There is no set time limit for Safeway returns. Returns are handled on a case-by-case basis at individual stores. We spoke with store associates at Safeway locations in Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Virginia, and Washington to ask about time limits for returns. We were told that the time limit depends on the item and is up to the store manager’s discretion.

Where to Make a Return

Returns are processed at the customer service desk. Customer service hours vary by store but are typically from 8 or 9 a.m. to 8 or 9 p.m. For the customer service hours at your local Safeway, contact the store directly.