Victoria's Secret is a lingerie and intimate apparel retailer owned by L Brands

Victoria's Secret is a chain of stores that sells bras, underwear, loungewear, and related items. The company operates physical locations in malls and shopping centers across the United States, Canada, and other countries, and also sells online through its website. L Brands, a Columbus, Ohio–based parent company, owns Victoria's Secret alongside other retail brands.

The chain is known for its semi-annual sales events (typically in May and November), its catalog marketing, and its annual fashion show that aired on television for many years. If you are shopping for intimate apparel, Victoria's Secret is one option among many retailers in this category, each with different sizing systems, price points, and product ranges.

Key Takeaways

  • Victoria's Secret uses its own sizing system that does not always match other brands, so trying items on or checking the return policy before buying online is important.
  • The store runs major sales events twice a year, but prices are often discounted year-round through email offers and in-store promotions.
  • Victoria's Secret has a standard return policy allowing returns within 30 days with a receipt, or within 60 days with a credit card statement.
  • The company operates both physical stores and an online store, so you can shop in person or have items shipped to your home.

Understanding Victoria's Secret sizing and fit

Victoria's Secret uses a bra sizing system that includes band sizes (measured in inches around the ribcage) and cup sizes (A through DDD and beyond). However, the brand's sizing does not always align with other lingerie retailers or department stores. A bra that fits well at Victoria's Secret may not fit the same way at another brand, even if the labeled size is identical.

The store offers in-person fitting services at most locations. A staff member can measure you and recommend sizes based on Victoria's Secret's specific fit. If you shop online, the website includes size charts and fit guides, though these are based on the brand's own measurements. Many shoppers find it helpful to try items on in a store first, or to order multiple sizes online and return what does not fit.

Victoria's Secret also sells extended sizes in some styles, including larger band sizes and cup sizes. Availability varies by store and online, so checking the website or calling ahead can save a trip if you wear a less common size.

How Victoria's Secret sales and promotions work

Victoria's Secret holds two major sales events each year: one typically in May and one in November. During these periods, prices on many items drop significantly. However, the store also runs smaller promotions throughout the year, including percentage-off sales, buy-one-get-one offers, and clearance events on seasonal items.

The most common way to learn about upcoming promotions is through the company's email list. Signing up on the Victoria's Secret website adds you to their mailing list, and subscribers often receive promotional codes before sales go public. The store also advertises sales in its physical locations and on its website homepage.

Prices on the same item can vary between the store and online, and between different sales periods. If you are planning a larger purchase, checking the website or asking in-store staff about upcoming sales may help you time your buy. Clearance sections, both in stores and online, often have deeper discounts than regular sales.

Shopping in stores versus online

Victoria's Secret operates both physical retail locations and an e-commerce website. Shopping in a store lets you try items on, get fitted by staff, and take purchases home when ready. Online shopping offers convenience and sometimes a wider selection, since not all sizes and colors are stocked in every location.

Online orders typically ship within 5 to 7 business days, though expedited shipping options are available for an additional fee. The website shows real-time inventory, so you can check whether an item is in stock before ordering. In-store pickup is not currently offered by Victoria's Secret, so online purchases must be shipped to a home address or picked up at a UPS store if you choose that delivery option.

Prices and promotions are usually the same online and in stores, though occasionally one channel runs a sale the other does not. Checking both before making a purchase can help you find the best deal.

Victoria's Secret return and exchange policy

Victoria's Secret allows returns and exchanges within 30 days of purchase if you have a receipt. If you do not have a receipt, you can return items within 60 days using a credit card statement or other proof of purchase. Items must be unworn, unwashed, and in original packaging with tags attached.

Swimwear and intimates that show signs of wear cannot be returned. Final sale items, marked as such at checkout, are not returnable. If you bought an item online and want to return it, you can mail it back using a prepaid shipping label (available on the website) or return it to a physical store if one is nearby.

Exchanges for a different size or color can be done in stores or online. Refunds are issued to the original payment method and typically process within 5 to 10 business days after the return is received and inspected.

Payment options and account management

Victoria's Secret accepts all major credit cards, debit cards, PayPal, and Apple Pay both in stores and online. The company also offers a branded credit card (the Victoria's Secret Credit Card) that provides rewards points on purchases, which can be redeemed for discounts on future orders.

Creating an online account on the Victoria's Secret website lets you save your shipping and billing addresses, track orders, and manage your email preferences. You can opt in or out of promotional emails at any time through your account settings or by clicking the unsubscribe link in any marketing email.

If you have questions about an order or account, Victoria's Secret customer service can be reached through the website's contact form, by phone, or through social media. Response times vary depending on the channel and current volume.

What to know about Victoria's Secret's product range

Beyond bras and underwear, Victoria's Secret sells loungewear, sleepwear, activewear, fragrances, and beauty products. The company also carries seasonal items like holiday-themed apparel and limited-edition collections. Product availability changes regularly, and items marked as limited edition or seasonal may not be restocked once sold out.

Quality and durability vary across the product line. Some items are designed for everyday wear and hold up well through multiple washes, while others are more delicate or fashion-forward and may have a shorter lifespan. Reading customer reviews on the website before purchasing can give you a sense of how a specific item wears over time.

Victoria's Secret also partners with other brands for collaborations and exclusive collections, which are typically available for a limited time. These items are often promoted heavily through email and in stores when they launch.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Victoria's Secret and Pink?

Pink is a sub-brand of Victoria's Secret that focuses on younger customers and college-age shoppers. Pink products are typically more casual and playful in design, with a different price point and sizing system. Both brands are owned by L Brands, but they operate as separate retail concepts with their own stores and online presence.

Does Victoria's Secret offer gift cards?

Yes, Victoria's Secret sells physical and digital gift cards on its website and in stores. Physical cards can be mailed or picked up in person, while digital cards are sent via email. Gift cards do not expire and can be used in stores or online.

Can I return items bought in a store to the online store?

Returns purchased in a physical store can be returned by mail using the online return process, or you can return them to a physical location if one is nearby. You will need your receipt or a credit card statement showing the purchase. Policies may vary slightly by location, so contacting customer service with your receipt details can confirm the fastest option.

How often does Victoria's Secret restock items?

Inventory varies by location and season. Popular sizes and colors may sell out quickly, while new shipments arrive regularly. The website shows current stock levels, and you can sign up for back-in-stock notifications for sold-out items on the product page.

Does Victoria's Secret have a loyalty program?

Victoria's Secret does not currently operate a traditional points-based loyalty program, but the branded credit card offers rewards that can be redeemed for discounts. Email subscribers also receive exclusive promotional codes and early access to sales, which functions as a form of loyalty benefit.