Serial returns

In the UK, 21% of all non-food goods purchased online are returned according to Retail Economics. Notably, while serial returners account for only 11% of online shoppers, their returns account for 24.2% of all non-food online returns. These repeat offenders return 42% of their online purchases. Equally problematic for retailers are slow returners, who account for 39% of online returns. Items returned more than 10 days after purchase negatively impact retail planning efficiency and the potential value of resale for the item. Despite growing interest in sustainability, only 30% of consumers prioritize environmental factors when considering returns.

Source: Retail Economics, October 2024.