Overview
- About 72% of retailers now charge for at least one return option, up from 66% last year, according to NRF and Happy Returns.
- Fees vary widely, including Macy’s $9.99 for mailed returns, T.J. Maxx/Marshalls $11.99, J.Crew $7.50, Zara $4.95, and up to $45 restocking on some Best Buy electronics, while most in-store returns remain free.
- Retailers expect roughly $849.9 billion—about 15.8% of annual sales—to be returned in 2025, with Adobe Analytics projecting a 25% to 35% jump in returns in the days after Dec. 26.
- Happy Returns is deploying AI tools to flag suspicious activity and speed approvals, reflecting broader investments to curb fraud that the industry estimates at roughly 9% of returns.
- Many chains have extended holiday windows into January (for example, Amazon and Walmart through Jan. 31 for most items), and experts advise checking item-level rules, keeping receipts and packaging, and using loyalty programs to avoid fees.