ZigZag Global: Consumers are embracing more sustainable returns
Return management software provider, ZigZag Global, has found that returns of Christmas gifts and sale items has increased drastically since last year – up 48%. However, the total value of returned goods has decreased by over a quarter (26%).
This demonstrates that during the current ‘cost of living crisis’ consumers are continuing to shop but are spending less on more and are being more decisive when it comes to buying higher priced products.
Commenting on data findings, Al Gerrie, CEO at ZigZag added: “The contrast in the volume of returns increase and the value of returns decrease is intriguing but indicative of the current economic climate. These figures suggest that, as we head into 2023, consumers are still willing to shop, but that the strain on disposable income is changing buying behaviours.
These findings suggest that consumers are demanding more quality from their everyday spending and fast fashion items. They are more than happy to return low-value items if they don’t meet expectations. Consumers are still buying luxury items, despite the economic conditions, but these figures show there’s less impulse in this area, with consumers making much more conscious and considered choices.
I expect 2023 will be an interesting year for the retail industry, with more retailers looking to introduce paid returns, and consumers wanting more flexibility and choice in their return options in exchange. Watch this space”.
Also, as more retailers started charging for returns in 2022, it’s no surprise that paid returns were up by 158% this year compared to last year with consumers largely willing to cover the cost of returns. Consumers are also embracing more sustainable returns with 68% choosing paperless returns during the festive break.
Locker drop offs were up 108% this year which further represents the rise of the sustainable shopper. Locker returns eliminate emissions from missed deliveries and makes courier journeys more efficient by travelling to a single location. Shoppers once again headed to lockers to drop off unwanted gifts in the early hours of Christmas morning. Despite the recent postal strikes, returns via the Post Office were also up by 65% YOY.
