Also if an item is defective and the store closes you have no one to stand by the product. Be a smart shopper. Check the prices on an item at several stores to determine if you are actually getting a good buy. This is especially important on large purchases. Check a store's refund policy before making a purchase.
Some stores only provide a credit for returned merchandise.
Do not purchase items through unsolicited telephone calls. Never give out your credit card number to a company you did not call. If you are pressured to make a purchase, tell the caller you need to think about it and hang up. Only deal with reputable catalog companies when giving out your credit cared number. Be aware of the handling charges for catalog items.