Consumer Affairs Minister Yvonne Henderson has reminded consumers of their rights in returning gifts after Christmas.
Mrs Henderson said that by law, stores must repair or replace goods or give a refund if they were faulty.
A product could also be returned if the shop assistant had given the wrong advice on what a product was suited for.
"However, there is a false perception in the community that traders are obliged to take goods back and give refunds in all circumstances," Mrs Henderson said.
"Retailers are not under any obligation to accept the return of goods just because the customer does not want them or they are the wrong size.
"Those stores that do give a credit note to the value of the returned goods are doing so to maintain goodwill and custom."
Mrs Henderson said consumers should have the relevant sales docket to return gifts to stores that did have refund policies.
She urged consumers to remain polite but firm when dealing with a store and to talk to the manager if there were any problems.
