ZigZag: The data shows shoppers embracing a range of returns methods
ZigZag Global, the global retail returns specialists, has analysed data from 25th December to 3rd January from 2021 compared with 2020. Revealing a 24% YOY increase in Christmas return volumes from 2020 to 2021.
In addition, the value of returned products has increased significantly (23.5%) since Christmas in 2020. In fact, the most expensive product returned to date was an 18 Carat Gold piece of jewellery costing £6,750. The cheapest item returned was a ‘luxury’ hand sanitiser, worth only 3p.
ZigZag also found that shoppers have become more confident with technology and are putting sustainability at the forefront, with 64% choosing paperless returns using a QR code. ZigZag’s research shows that 23% of consumers always want to choose the most sustainable option if given the option to do so.
Christmas gifts were returned exceptionally early this year with the first returns request logged at one minute past midnight on Christmas Day morning.
InPost also saw the first locker drop off at just before 4am on Christmas morning and consumers were dropping off returns at convenience stores from 10am onwards. In the first hour of Christmas Day over 700 items were returned. There was also a 20% YOY increase in Boxing Day return orders processed and 19% increase in the number of items returned on Boxing Day.
Commenting on the Christmas Day returns, Al Gerrie, CEO at ZigZag added: “It’s not a surprise to see festive returns being logged so early on Christmas Day. Retailers are now opting for paperless solutions, encouraging consumers to manage their returns online and they are more confident than ever.
The data shows shoppers embracing a range of returns methods from lockers, parcel shops, collection from home to the Post Office; it’s more important than ever for retailers to offer their customers a varied selection of options if they want to retain them. With High Street footfall down due to Omicron, online returns in January could be the highest we’ve ever seen, and the industry needs to be ready”.
