OT: how can I return an item I bought to Walmart? curbside purchased, cannot mail?

Taking it back to the store where you bought it would seem best option. I returned one mail order item to the local Walmart store and another by Fedex. I read that Fedex home pickup has a $4 surcharge.

Like I said above, I can't take it back myself. When I returned the other via FexEx, there were no extra charges. Problem is that they don't want to take back pick ups unless brought into the store.

Call the local store and see if they can handle a "curbside drop-off".

Or ask if  a relative/friend/neighbor can do the return (with receipt).

I thought if you went there for groceries you could drop it off. People here are masking and distancing just like before there was vaccination.

My wife is recovering from knee replacement and I've been dropping off stuff for her. Maybe family member could do it for you.

Yes, I read that part.

Can you Fedex it to the store, Att: Returns, or probably better, Customer Service. Include a letter that says whatever the receipt they want you to sign will say, like i authorize the money returned to be returned to the credit card to which the order was charged, and sign it.

Anything else that you would do if you were there in person? I can't think of it. Maybe a secodn copy of the paper above but the size and shape of what they woudl use. I don't know what that is.

Or get a friend to take it back. Maybe he'd have to have your CC and your driver's license and pretend he is you?