Close Menu
  • For Buyers
    • Retail News
    • Products & Suppliers
    • Ecommerce
    • Marketing & Management
    • Trade Show News
  • For Suppliers
    • Supplier News
    • Marketing & Management
    • Importing
    • Manufacturers
    • Warehousing
    • Finance
    • Show Exhibiting
  • Wholesale 101
  • Trade Show Calendar
  • Wholesale Products
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Monday, May 12
  • Subscribe
  • Submit Content
  • About Us
    • Contact Us
  • Advertise
    • Display Advertising
    • Email Marketing Campaigns
    • Newsletter Advertising
    • Sponsored Content
    • Lead Generation Services
  • Top Product Sources
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
WholesaleCentral.com Blog
  • For Buyers
    • Retail News
    • Products & Suppliers
    • Ecommerce
    • Marketing & Management
    • Trade Show News
  • For Suppliers
    • Supplier News
    • Marketing & Management
    • Importing
    • Manufacturers
    • Warehousing
    • Finance
    • Show Exhibiting
  • Wholesale 101
  • Trade Show Calendar
  • Wholesale Products
WholesaleCentral.com Blog
Home»For Buyers»Retail News»Bracing for Holiday Returns
Retail News

Bracing for Holiday Returns

PublisherBy PublisherDecember 12, 2017Updated:January 26, 20233 Mins Read
Facebook Twitter Email
Share
Facebook Twitter Email
holiday returns 2

Did you know one in three gifts are returned? As retailers are counting their successes this holiday season, savvy stores are also planning for the logistical nightmare that lays ahead. Post-holiday returns are not a new phenomenon, but it is increasingly problematic. By the time the holidays are over, around $80 billion worth of merchandise will be returned. It costs retailers twice as much to processes a back-on-shelf return as it does to sell that product. The retail industry has seen a 35 percent increase in holiday returns since 2015 and a total annual return increase of 70 percent since 2015.

holiday returns

This phenomenon is even more pronounced for ecommerce retailers. The rise in online shopping means more people are buying products without seeing or feeling them firsthand. An article on Forbes reports that two-thirds of online shoppers check an etailer’s return policy before making a purchase. 15 percent will abandon their cart if the policy is unclear. For many online shoppers, returns are simply part of the shopping process. Buy multiple sizes to see what fits best, buy a few different options and return the ones you didn’t like. As an independent retailer, there are a few strategies you can use to minimize returns and curtail your losses on products that are returned.

Helpful Product Pages

Shoppers know apparel sizing can vary from store to store, brand to brand, and even from item to item within the same store. The guesswork of choosing accurate sizing is a big contributor to excessive returns. If you can, display photos of your product on several different models in various shapes and sizes. Always put product measurements. If something runs a tad larger or smaller than most of your other items, be sure to note that, too. More information will help shoppers feel confident in choosing the correct size.

In-Store Pickup

If you have a brick and mortar presence, offer shoppers the option of coming to your store to pick up their orders. Encourage them to try on their products before they leave so you can resolve any concerns before the items even leave your store.

holiday returns 3

Reverse Logistic Services

For some retailers, the time and labor it takes to repackage and reticket returns to put back on the shelf are simply not worth it. There are many companies who will purchase your returns as-is. This can save you the headache of trying to resell one-off items or slightly damaged goods.

Accurate Recommendations

For brick and mortar retailers, train your associates to be able to offer personalized product recommendations and gift packages. A one-size-fits-all product push rarely works well and can lead to unwanted gifts and a flurry of returns. Associates should know features and benefits of all your products and when to recommend them based on the shopper’s reason for purchase.

holiday and seasonal holiday sales returns
Share. Facebook Twitter Email
Previous ArticleArmy Navy Military Expo
Next Article Most Popular Toys Through the Decades

Related Posts

5 Essential Tax Season Preparation Tips

January 24, 2024

7 Tips for Wholesale Inventory Management

January 23, 2024

Prepare Your Business for Supply Chain Disruptions

December 30, 2023
Sign Up for Buyer Updates
WholesaleCentral.com

Join the Buyer's Network

Get news & updates only for retailers.

how-to
Wholesale 101 for Buyers

Amazon Return Pallets For Sale: How to Profit

11 Mins ReadUpdated:August 9, 2024

A big trend among some online sellers is buying Amazon return pallets and overstock and…

Retail News

5 Essential Tax Season Preparation Tips

10 Mins ReadUpdated:August 8, 2024

Are you ready for tax season? April 18 is approaching quickly, and many day-to-day decisions…

Ecommerce

7 Steps to Create Successful Shipping for Your Business

6 Mins ReadUpdated:August 8, 2024

by Sidney Karanja Today’s business environment is more globalized and complex than ever before. In…

Product News

Overstock Liquidations

6 Mins ReadUpdated:August 9, 2024

Overstock inventory refers to the excess goods or merchandise that a retailer has on hand…

Latest Posts

Crafting a Marketing Strategy for Electronics Retailers

January 21, 2025

Effective Digital Marketing Strategies for Health & Wellness Brands

January 21, 2025

Mastering Beauty Ads: 10 Strategies for Engaging Your Audience | Blog.Wholesalecentrl.com 

January 21, 2025

Jewelry Marketing Strategies: How to Attract Customers and Boost Sales in a Competitive Market

December 31, 2024

How to Open a Gift Shop: A Step-By-Step Guide

December 23, 2024

Online Marketing Calendar for 2025: Don’t Miss These Critical Dates

December 17, 2024
  • About Us
  • Subscribe
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise
  • Find Wholesale Sources
WholesaleCentral.com

Join the Buyer's Network

Get news & updates only for retailers.

Follow Us:

Copyright © 2025. Sumner Communications, Inc..

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.