Carter's is a children's clothing retailer with physical stores and online shopping
Carter's sells clothing, shoes, and accessories for babies and children from newborn through size 14. The company operates both standalone Carter's stores and OshKosh B'gosh locations (which Carter's owns), plus sells through their website and major retailers like Target and Walmart. Most Carter's stores are in shopping centers or malls, though the exact locations and hours vary by region.
The store focuses on everyday wear — bodysuits, pants, dresses, outerwear, and shoes — rather than formal or specialty clothing. Prices are mid-range for children's retail. Carter's runs frequent sales and clearance sections both in-store and online, and offers a rewards program called Rewards that gives points on purchases.
If you are shopping for basics that fit a specific size or need items quickly, knowing Carter's return window and what condition items must be in matters before you buy. The same applies if you are ordering online and want to know shipping costs or return shipping policies.
Key Takeaways
- Carter's accepts returns within 60 days of purchase with a receipt, or within 30 days without one, as long as items have tags attached and show no signs of wear.
- Online purchases can be returned by mail using a prepaid shipping label, or to a physical store if one is nearby.
- Carter's Rewards members earn points on purchases and can redeem them for discounts, though membership is free to join.
- Sale and clearance items are final sale at some locations, so check the tag or ask before buying deeply discounted merchandise.
- Shipping costs and delivery times vary depending on whether you order online for home delivery or use in-store pickup.
Return window and condition requirements
Carter's allows returns within 60 days of purchase with a receipt, or within 30 days without one. Items must have the original tags attached and cannot show signs of wear, stains, or damage. This means the item must look unworn — a child wearing a shirt once and then returning it will likely be refused.
Underwear, swimwear, and items marked as final sale cannot be returned. At some Carter's locations, clearance and sale merchandise is also final sale, though this varies by store. Check the tag before checkout or ask a staff member if you are unsure whether an item can be returned.
If you bought an item online and it arrived damaged or defective, contact Carter's customer service through their website or by phone rather than attempting a return in-store. Online customer service can often issue a refund or replacement without requiring you to ship the item back.
How to return items bought online
Online returns can go back by mail or to a physical store. If you return by mail, log into your Carter's account, find the order, and request a return label. Carter's will email you a prepaid shipping label — you pack the item, print the label, and drop it at any shipping location. The return is processed once Carter's receives and inspects the item, which typically takes one to two weeks after they scan it in.
If a Carter's store is near you, you can return online purchases there instead. Bring the item with tags attached and your order confirmation (printed or on your phone). The in-store return is usually processed when ready, though refunds to your original payment method may take a few business days to appear.
Exchanges are also available — if an item is the wrong size, you can exchange it for a different size in the same style at a physical store, or request an exchange through your online account and receive a new shipping label.
In-store returns and exchanges
To return or exchange an item at a Carter's store, bring the item with tags attached, your receipt, and your original payment method (card or ID if you paid cash). Staff will inspect the item to confirm the tags are on and there are no signs of wear, then process the return or exchange on the spot.
Without a receipt, you can still return within 30 days if you have the original payment card — the staff member can look up the transaction. If you paid cash and have no receipt, the store may offer store credit instead of a refund, depending on their policy.
Exchanges for a different size or color in the same item are usually the fastest option if the store has stock. If they do not have what you need, they can order it to the store or to your home, though this takes several business days.
Carter's Rewards program and discounts
Carter's Rewards is a free membership program that earns points on every purchase — typically one point per dollar spent, though promotional events sometimes offer bonus points. Points can be redeemed for discounts on future purchases once you reach a certain threshold (usually 100 points for a discount code).
You sign up for Rewards in-store or online using an email address. Rewards members also receive early notice of sales and sometimes get exclusive discounts. The program is free to join and has no annual fee.
Sale and clearance events happen regularly — Carter's typically has seasonal sales, holiday promotions, and clearance sections both in stores and online. Signing up for email notifications through their website will alert you to upcoming sales, though you can also check the store or website directly.
Shipping and in-store pickup for online orders
Carter's offers standard shipping and expedited shipping for online orders, with costs and delivery times varying. Standard shipping typically takes five to seven business days; expedited options are faster but cost more. Shipping costs depend on your order total and location — some orders over a certain amount may may have access to for free shipping during promotions.
In-store pickup is available at many locations if you order online. This option is often free or lower cost than shipping, and you can pick up items within a few business days. When you place an order online, you can select a nearby store for pickup at checkout.
If your online order arrives damaged or with missing items, contact Carter's customer service through their website chat, email, or phone number (listed on your order confirmation). Keep the packaging and photos of the damage — customer service can often issue a replacement or refund without requiring a return shipment.
Size charts and fit information
Carter's publishes size charts on their website and in stores that show measurements for each size — chest width, length, and sometimes sleeve length. Sizes are labeled by age range (newborn, 12 months, 24 months, 2T, 3T, and so on) and also by standard measurements, so you can compare to clothing your child already wears.
If you are ordering online and unsure about fit, you can check the product description for material (cotton, polyester blend, etc.) and any notes about fit — some items run large or small. Customer reviews on the website sometimes mention fit as well. If the item does not fit when it arrives, you can exchange it for a different size using the process described above.
Carter's also carries shoes in toddler and children's sizes. Shoe sizing follows standard US children's shoe sizes, and the website includes a shoe size chart. If you are buying shoes online, many customers recommend ordering a half size up for growing room, though this depends on your child's growth rate and how snugly the shoes fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I return Carter's items to OshKosh B'gosh, since Carter's owns it?
No. Carter's and OshKosh B'gosh are separate retail brands with different inventory and return policies. You must return Carter's purchases to a Carter's store or by mail using the online return process. OshKosh items must be returned to OshKosh locations.
What if I lost my receipt but still have the tags on the item?
You can return within 30 days without a receipt if you have the original payment card — the store can look up the transaction. If you paid cash, the store may offer store credit instead of a refund. Bring the item with tags attached and your ID.
Do Carter's sale items ever go on clearance after the sale ends?
Yes. Carter's regularly marks down sale items further to clear inventory. Clearance sections are both in-store and online, and items are usually marked 50 to 70 percent off original price. Clearance items are often final sale, so check the tag before buying.
How long does it take to get a refund after I mail back an online return?
Once Carter's receives your return, it typically takes one to two weeks to process and inspect the item. After approval, the refund is issued to your original payment method and may take an additional three to five business days to appear in your account, depending on your bank.
Can I use a Carter's gift card at OshKosh B'gosh?
No. Carter's gift cards are only valid at Carter's stores and on their website. OshKosh B'gosh gift cards are separate. If you have a Carter's card and want to shop at OshKosh, you will need an OshKosh gift card or to pay another way.