AIBU - can I return this coat? (long - sorry)

[BaaaaaaBaaaaaaBlackSheep]

Please help me - I've been a complete idiot with a recent clothes purchase and I want to know if I can rectify it.

Three weeks ago I got a very short break from looking after small children and I dashed into town and bought a new winter coat. It wasn't cheap, but it was gorgeous and I figured I bought my last one six years ago, so I could justify stretching my budget. I remember thinking it was a snug fit, but the attentive shopping assistant said that was the style. I just thought - it's a 12 and so am I so that's fine. At the cash register we noticed one of the buttons was loose, and they gave me an additional 10% off, telling me it meant I could not return it. No problem I thought - I waltzed home, thrilled with my new purchase and chuffed that I had been so efficient in buying a new coat in less than half an hour.

I fixed the loose button and the mend is not visible to the naked eye.

Now that the biting cold weather has settled in, I went to put on my coat and it is too tight. I checked the label and it's a size 10, not 12 (there is no way I'm a 10!). The hanger said the wrong size and I was in a hurry, but that's no excuse - I should have checked the label of the coat. I have not taken the shop cardboard labels off, and there is nothing on them marking the coat as damaged or reduced. I still have the receipt, but naturally it has the 10% discount on it.

I really want to change the coat to a size 12. I have checked, and they have a size 12 in stock. I can't afford to own the coat in both sizes. What are my options?

I know that the coat was bought on the basis that I couldn't take it back (yes, I have been really, really stupid) but if I took it to the shop without the receipt and asked to change sizes, would the shop know it had been reduced? Would the system have tracked the individual coat, so would they know it was damaged and therefore not returnable?

If I was upfront with the shop and took it back with the receipt, notwithstanding the discount I got (and I'll happily pay the 10% difference) would they let me exchange it for the size 12?

I know I don't have a leg to stand on in terms of my legal rights, but anyone work in retail who can guide me here?

Or AIBU, since the coat was not returnable and I'm stuck with it (unless I sell on ebay)?

I was about to say exactly what Twitchy said. If you follow those steps it'll go smoothly and you'll be reassured before you walk in, so you won't have that nervous or awkward feeling approaching the staff. I think it'll be fine.

Hi I work in retail and the policy in the shop I work in is that if you don't have a receipt (i know you do but it might benefit you 'not' to have it) you can only exchange not refund which is obviously perfect for you, hopefully the shop you purchased your coat at is the same or similar.

My mum managed to exchange a coat in Hobbs last year without a receipt - her brother had bought it for her in the wrong size and not given her a gift receipt. I would give it a go.

Go for an exchange. Don't take the receipt. Just say the size on the hanger was wrong, be polite but clear about what you would like. Don't mention the repair or the original discount. I know that feels wrong but i think thats the only way to go with this one. as pp have said, a call ahead will do no harm, and if you feel really bad put the 10% in a charity box. I am a veteran returner / exchanger and have never had a problem with a major retailer.