"This isn't a seasonal spike or a temporary supply chain hiccup; it's a systemic issue that threatens to overwhelm e-commerce operations across industries. Many retailers are simply not equipped to manage what's coming. But some are. These are the brands already investing in technology, training and process optimization to turn what used to be a logistical nightmare into a competitive edge."
"During the post-holiday period, these figures can spike. Vogue reported that, in December 2024-January 2025, consumers globally sent back $112 billion in merchandise-up 30% compared to the year before. There's the cost of shipping, handling, restocking and, in many cases, refunding without recovery. Multiply that across tens of thousands of orders, and the impact is clear: Returns are no longer just an operational inconvenience but a vulnerability."
E-commerce return rates are accelerating and will reach record levels, driven by increased online activity and seasonal spikes. Consumers returned $112 billion in merchandise during December 2024-January 2025, a 30% increase year over year. Every return reduces margins through shipping, handling, restocking and unrecovered refunds, and large volumes can overwhelm operations. Retailers relying on legacy systems, manual processes or disconnected teams are most at risk. Brands investing in returns technology, staff training and process optimization can streamline post-purchase experiences, recover value faster and convert returns management into a competitive advantage during peak periods.
Read at Forbes
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