The holiday season is over Millions of gifts under the Christmas treesbut also opened that massive returns. In the coming days, many people in the United States will be doing business Try to exchange or return productsalthough few know that they might face it unplanned expenses.
The period after Christmas is historically concentrated one of the highest yield peaks of the year. Adobe Analytics data cited by WFAAstated that during the Christmas time In 2024, one in eight returns occurred between December 26th and 31st.
For this yearthe trend would continue. The forecasts suggested that between the same dates Returns would increase between 25% and 35% regarding the pre-holiday period, which lasts from November 1st to December 12th.
This movement will not stop with the change of the month. Adobe Analytics also estimated that in the first two weeks of JanuaryThe volume of returned products will continue to increase, with an additional increase of between 8% and 15%.
At the same time, a report from National Retail Association (NRF) predicted this About 19% of online sales made throughout 2025 ended in a returna percentage that explains why companies have adjusted their policies.
In the United States, Stores can set their own return policiesprovided that these are clearly communicated to the consumer.
There is no federal law requiring free exchanges to be offered in all cases. For this reason, Charging a fee is legalprovided that the Company previously communicates this condition either on its website, on the purchase receipt or in the terms and conditions visible to the customer.
According to the National Retail Federation, about 72% of them the shops has charged a fee for returns this yearan increase compared to the 66% in the previous year.
NBC5 emphasized that, however These orders are not new., its expansion becomes more visible during the holiday season, when the volume of exchanges and refunds skyrockets.
Although policies vary from chain to chain, there is a common pattern. Most stores only charge fees if the return is made by mailthat is, if the customer returned the product instead of personally taking it to a store as explained NBC5.
This position is looking cover logistics costs such as transport and parcel handling.
In contrast, Many retailers offer free returns if the item is shipped directly to a store. However, there are corresponding exceptions. Best buyFor example, even if you return the product in person, fees will apply, depending on the type of item and its technical characteristics.
The reports from NBC5 And WFAA them in detail which chains implement these commissions and what amounts are involved. The most frequently mentioned companies included clothing brands, big box stores and electronics chains.
Some notable examples were:
NBC5 pointed out Macy’s has been charging this fee since 2023 for those who have not joined their Star Rewards program.
A company spokesman explained this Members of this system enjoyed free returns by mailwhile all customers could return items for free if they did so in a physical store.
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