Category
Business
Assisted Conversion
Trend cluster
Category
Refined
Returns
Brands are making it easier for consumers to return items amid COVID-19.
2.9
Trend score
Trend
What is the Refined Returns trend?
Refined Returns: The COVID-19 pandemic has fueled a surge in online sales, prompting an increase in online return needs. To accommodate this emerging need, many brands are leveraging strategic partnerships to enable streamlined return solutions that include return shopping lockers, at-home return pickup options, and multi-brand return centers.
Insight
The consumer insight behind the Refined Returns trend
Due to the ongoing global pandemic, many consumers are avoiding unnecessary trips to stores, prompting a surge in online shopping. Since online shoppers are unable to see and try-on items in-store, many are hesitant to make the same purchases they traditionally would at a physical location. Moreover, the daunting task of trying to return these items–especially amid fluctuating shopping restrictions–poses another barrier for consumers. As such, consumers are drawn to brands that offer streamlined shopping solutions.
Trend themes
Themes within the Refined Returns trend
Three behaviours holding the trend together01
Streamlined Return Solutions
Consumers are expecting businesses to provide streamlined return solutions in order to streamline their online shopping experience.
02
Smart Shopping Lockers
Smart retail lockers offer benefits for both customers and retailers by creating no-contact experiences that can be had around the clock.
03
Efficient Return Strategic Partnerships
Strategic partnerships are being formed by businesses to facilitate more efficient and diversified return options for their consumers.
Industry implications
What the Refined Returns trend means for industry
Where the trend changes the playbookFor
Logistics and Delivery Industry
The logistics and delivery industry has an opportunity to provide efficient and safe return solutions by partnering with retailers to accommodate for the surge in online sales.
For
Retail Industry
The retail industry has an opportunity to adopt contact-free technology solutions like smart retail lockers to facilitate no-contact experiences and reduce labor costs.
For
E-commerce Industry
The e-commerce industry has an opportunity to accommodate for the surge in online sales by launching more efficient return options for their consumers.
Workshop question
How can your brand anticipate consumer barriers to purchasing amid fluctuating shopping restrictions?
Trend signals
Trend signals for Refined Returns
Trend score 2.9 out of 10, from popularity 46%, activity 32%, freshness 9%.
Popularity46%
Activity32%
Freshness9%
Audience
50%Men
50%Women
- Gen Alpha
- Gen Z
- Millennial
- Gen X
- Boomer (not a primary audience)
Market
North America
Europe
Asia-Pacific
Evidence
Examples of the Refined Returns trend
6 featured examples from May 28, 2020 to Jan 5, 2021CategoryBusiness
Smart Shopping Lockers
Luxer One's Smart Retail Lockers Support No-Contact Experiences
The integration of smart lockers in the retail industry allows for safer and more convenient shopping experiences.
CategoryBusiness
Safe Return Systems
Checkpoint Systems' Inventory Quarantine Temporarily Isolates Returned Items
Retailers can explore innovative solutions for safe product returns to enhance customer experience and safety measures.
CategoryBusiness
Streamlined Return Solutions
Happy Returns and FedEx Make it Easier for Consumers to Return Items
Retailers could benefit from developing innovative return solutions, like eco-conscious returns, in order to increase brand loyalty and customer satisfaction.
CategoryBusiness
Efficient Return Strategic Partnerships
Amazon Debuts New Return System for Whole Foods Market
Retailers can innovate their returns system by implementing new technology and partnerships to create a more efficient and convenient return experience for customers.
CategoryTech
Social Shopping Platforms
Verishop Launched a New Video Shopping Feature Named "Shop Party"
Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporate video shopping features into e-commerce platforms, transforming how customers interact and shop online.
CategoryBusiness
Efficient Holiday Retail Returns
Walmart Launched Its Carrier Pickup Service to Improve Returns
Innovative logistics solutions that make it easy and safe to return products from consumers' homes will be in high demand.
