Emer Hadley, Keesler Exchange supervisor, sorts and hangs Christmas tree skirts in preparation for holiday shoppers Nov. 19, 2014, at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. (U.S. Air Force/Kemberly Groue)

Holiday shoppers will be able to return Army and Air Force Exchange Service purchases with a receipt until Jan. 31, 2020, according to a new AAFES announcement.

The return policy extension applies to items bought in store or online from Nov. 1 until Dec. 24. The regular time period is 15 to 90 days after purchase, so returns will still be honored if the item's regular return window extends past Jan. 31.

"With the busyness of the holidays, it can be easy to let the time for returning a gift lapse," said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Luis Reyes, the exchange's senior enlisted adviser. "The exchange wants to make sure service members and their families have the opportunity to return any gifts they need to."

The exchange is the 62nd largest retailer in the U.S. and serves 31 million service members. Last year, it had revenue of $8.7 billion.

Military shoppers can ask staff at their local exchange for more information or call 1-800-527-2345 for online returns.

By Dorothy Mills-Gregg