Online Returns Soar In November

Online returns have hit new heights as the number of items being sent back hit 26.6% in November.

According to data from management firm Rebound, the figure is likely to contribute to a record year of returns this year.

Figures from Rebound showed the last three days of November saw the most returns on record, despite retailer’s posting promising sales figures during Black Friday weekend.

Rebound, which works with retailers including Asos, Crocs, and Calzedonia, said this year’s returns figures ‘eclipsed’ last year’s Black Friday haul.

“Despite retailers spreading sales across the month to avoid the logistical nightmare of a one-day spike, the volume of returns in November will pile extra pressure on retailers who have to turn products around for Christmas,” Rebound’s Laura Garrett told This Is Money.

“The cost-of-living crisis is playing a part, as the impact of energy bills soaring in October and mortgage rates rocketing have buyers thinking twice about their purchasing choices.”

In order to combat rising returns, some retailers, including Zara and Boohoo, have introduced charges to discourage customers from sending products back.