Retailers are preparing for a surge in post-Christmas returns, leading to adjustments in return policies to manage costs efficiently. According to the 2023 Holiday Predictions report by goTRG, a leader in returns management and reverse logistics solutions, consumers should expect shorter return windows as 42 percent of retailers plan to reduce them during the holiday season.
goTRG's survey reveals that a significant number of retailers have introduced return fees in the past year, with half of those surveyed implementing such fees. This trend is not limited to smaller retailers, even enterprises like Amazon, Macy's, Staples, TJ Maxx, and Marshalls have made changes to their return policies for holiday purchases, including raising return-by-mail fees and shortening return windows.
While many retailers have adjusted their policies, two stood out for their continued generosity. Target offers an impressive one-year return period for house-branded items, and Home Depot allows one year for returns made using their credit card.
To address return fraud, return windows for electronics tend to be shorter compared to other products.
