Summary
Retail returns in 2024 are projected to reach $890 billion, up from $743 billion in 2023, driven by practices like “bracketing” (ordering multiple sizes/colors) and “wardrobing” (buying for one-time use).
Rising return rates burden retailers, costing up to 30% of an item’s price to process, while contributing to landfill waste and carbon emissions.
To address the issue, 81% of retailers tightened return policies in 2023, with some implementing fees or offering “keep it” refunds.
Sustainable resale programs and customer-friendly policies are emerging as strategies to balance costs and consumer expectations.
Loss of profits sounds like a you problem. Don't really care about that.
As for the environmental impact of returns, good point. I'm happy with the "keep it and have your money back" system. Imo it should be mandatory if the retailer is online-only, but that's a stretch. Maybe the US should focus on basic consumer rights first. But that sounds like a bulletpoint for in 4 years time, if it's still applicable then.
In four years time our window for action on the environment will be barely cracked open. It will be too late.
Future generations will revile those from our time.