ZigZag, a returns technology provider, has found that almost half of all returns made across Black Friday and Cyber Monday were paid returns (43 per cent). However, the overall number of returns over this period has plateaued year on year, with a 0.5 per cent decrease. This is significantly different from 2022, where there was a substantial 8 per cent increase in returns on the previous year.
This is likely due to the reported 12 per cent drop in online sales over Black Friday and Cyber Monday, which many are attributing to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis and also the fact that Black Friday fell slightly earlier in November this year, just before November payday for many. This is supported by the fact that the value of items was also down 3.7 per cent on last year in the UK and 10.4 per cent globally, according to ZigZag’s data.
Interestingly, shoppers are changing how they make their returns as well. Home collection is proving to be increasingly popular with an 82 per cent year-on-year increase, due to the convenience it offers shoppers. Locker drop-offs also saw an impressive 76 per cent increase on last year and actually accounted for almost one in five returns (17 per cent).
Al Gerrie, CEO at ZigZag commented on the influx of paid returns and returns flexibility:
“With more and more retailers moving to charge shoppers for returns, it’s no surprise that almost half of returns were paid. However, this is a positive sign for retailers as it shows that shoppers are willing to pay for returns, allowing them to recoup some of the losses returns bring.
“What’s really interesting is the change of returns methods; the locker option in particular, has become more popular. As lockers were introduced they were predominantly only available in large towns and cities but now, as more have become available nationwide, shoppers are choosing to use them for convenience. Retailers have also clocked on to the fact that more people are working from home and so, the home collection option is really a must-have”.
Another interesting find from ZigZag’s returns data was the increased prevalence of sizing issues being the reason for returns. Sizing has always been the dominant reason for returns, particularly in fast fashion. This year there was a significant 22 per cent increase in shoppers stating size issues as the reason for their returns compared with last year.
Discussing sizing issues, Al added:
“The issue of sizing is not going to be resolved any time soon. However, if retailers want to reduce how significantly it impacts returns they should be implementing accurate sizing guides, reviews, and imagery. Another option, which I expect to see increase in popularity next year, is live exchanges. That way, if the size isn’t right, shoppers don’t have to return and then rebuy”.
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