Here's the return policy, direct from the FOS website...I asked twice regarding the physical outlet store and the rep said it had to be from Jax but honestly, I was doubting her even as she was speaking, these reps get these things wrong too often. I assume the outlet stores can still pull up the order like you said and do the refund. Unfortunately my nearest outlet is more than a hundred miles away so yeah it's a let down especially with the holiday sales coming up.
RETURNS:
WHAT IS YOUR RETURN POLICY?
We want you to be completely happy with your purchase. If for any reason you are not satisfied, please return the item to us within 60 days of purchase in its original condition for a refund in the original form of payment or an exchange. Coach Outlet merchandise may be returned by mail or to a Coach Outlet store. All merchandise must be in new and unused condition.
New, unused Outlet merchandise may be exchanged or returned at any Coach Outlet Store with an original Coach receipt or mail order packing invoice.
New, unused Outlet merchandise may be returned for merchandise credit with a gift receipt.
New, unused Outlet merchandise may be returned to a Full Price store with an original Coach receipt or mail order packing invoice for a refund in the original form of payment. Merchandise returned with a gift receipt will receive merchandise credit.
Price adjustments on previous purchases are not permitted.
New, unused Outlet merchandise paid for with PayPal must be returned to our Returns Department in Jacksonville, FL for a refund to the original PayPal account. Unfortunately, we cannot offer PayPal refunds for in-store returns. All in-store returns of merchandise purchased with PayPal will receive merchandise credit.