Retailers are increasingly adopting "keep-it" return policies, as per a report from goTRG, particularly when the cost of return surpasses the item's value. In a survey of 500 U.S. retail executives conducted for the holiday season, 59% are offering such policies for items that aren't cost-effective to ship back, often due to low cost or excess inventory. In fact, 68% of retailers report higher inventory levels than the previous year. However, some are countering losses by shortening return periods, a challenging scenario for early shoppers. Additionally, retailers are encouraging "BORIS" — buy online, return in store — to increase in-store traffic and potential sales. Yet, these returnless policies do pose a fraud risk, with concerns that consumers may exploit the system to acquire items for free.
