Returns volume, like overall e-commerce volume, is following similar patterns from last year, in that the overall volume surge has dulled specific spikes. As e-commerce took a larger share of overall commerce in 2020, returns increased and diffused out over the holiday shopping period.
“The leveling out of returns across many days can largely be attributed to shifting purchasing habits accelerated by a global pandemic,” said Nick Basford, UPS vice president of global retail and e-commerce strategy.
UPS’ highest volume day for returns was Jan. 2, 2020, when the company processed 1.9 million returns, according to the spokesperson. That season holds the record for the largest single-day spike in returns for UPS, but each day within early 2021’s busiest week for returns is expected to come just 150,000 returned parcels shy of that number.
Source: Retail Dive