// Online returns jump 26.6% in November setting a record high
// The last three days of the month saw the most returns as Black Friday shoppers sent back unwanted orders
Online returns has hit a new high as the number of items sent back jumped more than a quarter (26.6%) in November.
The surge in shoppers sending items back is likely to make 2022 a record year for returns, according to data by management firm Rebound.
Retailers reported promising sales figures during Black Friday weekend as they rolled out huge discounts to entice customers.
However, Rebound’s data revealed the last three days of November saw the most returns on record, as a flurry of customers sent back their discounted goods.
Subscribe to Retail Gazette for free
Sign up here to get the latest news straight into your inbox each morning
Rebound, who work with retailers including Asos, Crocs and Calzedonia, said this year’s figures ‘eclipsed’ last year’s Black Friday total.
Rebound’s Laura Garrett told This Is Money: “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 in time for Christmas.
“The cost-of-living crisis is clearly playing a part, as the impact of energy bills soaring in October and mortgage rates rocketing have buyers thinking twice about their purchasing choices.”
Some retailers, such as Boohoo and Zara, have introduced returns charges to discourage shoppers from sending products back as growing return rates hit retailer’s bottom lines.
Click here to sign up to Retail Gazette‘s free daily email newsletter
