Stat: Returns lead to big losses for US online apparel retailers

US – According to a survey by US-based research agency Coresight Research, online apparel returns in the US cost retailers a staggering £30bn ($38bn, €35bn). The study revealed that the average return rate for online apparel orders was 24.4% in the 12 months to March 2023.

The findings are based on data collected from more than 100 decision-makers at US-based fashion companies and retailers. Some 45% of respondents stated that over the past two years, apparel return rates had increased. The primary reasons consumers gave for returning clothing were size and fit.

As discussed in our EQ-Commerce report, it is important for e-tailers to take a more emotionally intelligent and intuitive approach to selling online by making product searches simpler, courting virtual tastemakers and offering more phygital interactions.