The period after Christmas is typically a busy time for retailers as they evaluate their performance during the holiday season. However, this year has seen a larger than usual number of returns. Delays in December deliveries have caused chaos for consumers, resulting in a staggering £1.5 billion worth of orders being sent back. Many gifts missed the Christmas Day deadline, leading to a 25% increase in the annual post-Christmas returns day, known as ‘Takeback Tuesday,’ compared to last year.
Despite people reducing their Christmas spending, a significant number of items are being returned to retailers. This can be attributed to delays during the busy holiday period, worsened by postal strikes, adverse weather conditions, and the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic in China. ParcelHero’s Head of Consumer Research, David Jinks, points out that while Britons may have spent less on presents this year, there has been a notable increase in returned items being handled by courier networks compared to the previous year. The main reason for this surge in returns is undoubtedly the fact that many items did not arrive in time for Christmas. Some retailers opted to use alternative courier networks instead of traditional mail options to ensure prompt deliveries, but this decision unintentionally caused further delays.
The impact of missed delivery dates extends beyond the inconvenience faced by consumers. Retailers now have to deal with a significant influx of returned merchandise, which can have considerable financial and logistical repercussions for their operations. Processing these returns requires additional resources and manpower, as well as meticulous inventory management to ensure that returned items are properly accounted for and either resold or disposed of in accordance with company policies and regulations.
Moreover, the increase in post-Christmas returns underscores the importance of efficient and dependable delivery services for both retailers and consumers. The disruptions experienced during the festive season serve as a reminder that timely delivery is a vital aspect of the overall shopping experience. Retailers need to assess their delivery strategies and explore alternative options to mitigate the risk of future delays. This may involve establishing partnerships with reputable courier networks, implementing stricter delivery deadlines, or investing in enhanced tracking systems to provide real-time updates to customers.
In conclusion, the surge in post-Christmas returns this year can be attributed to missed delivery dates caused by various disruptions. Retailers are now grappling with managing a substantial number of returned items while also recognizing the significance of efficient delivery services. Moving forward, it is crucial for retailers to prioritize timely deliveries to enhance the overall customer experience and minimize the impact of returns.
Useful Links:
1. UK Retailers Swamped with Returns
2. Post-Christmas Returns Soar in Light of UK Lockdown
