# Refined Returns Brands are making it easier for consumers to return items amid COVID-19. By [Grace Mahas](https://www.trendhunter.com/Grace.Mahas), VP of Content & Insights | Published Jan 5, 2021 | Category: [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/business-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/refined-returns ## Key Figures - Trend score: 2.9/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## 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. ## 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. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: May 28, 2020 to Jan 5, 2021 - Published: Jan 5, 2021 - Patterns: [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction) - Megatrends: [Simplicity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/simplicity) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Refined Returns trend ### Streamlined Return Solutions Consumers are expecting businesses to provide streamlined return solutions in order to streamline their online shopping experience. ### 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. ### Efficient Return Strategic Partnerships Strategic partnerships are being formed by businesses to facilitate more efficient and diversified return options for their consumers. ## What the Refined Returns trend means for industry ### For 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 for Refined Returns Trend score 2.9 out of 10, from popularity 46%, activity 32%, freshness 9%. - Popularity: 46% - Activity: 32% - Freshness: 9% ## Examples of the Refined Returns trend 6 featured examples from May 28, 2020 to Jan 5, 2021. - [Smart Shopping Lockers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/retail-lockers): Luxer One's Smart Retail Lockers Support No-Contact Experiences (Category: Business) Implication: The integration of smart lockers in the retail industry allows for safer and more convenient shopping experiences. - [Safe Return Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/product-returns): Checkpoint Systems' Inventory Quarantine Temporarily Isolates Returned Items (Category: Business) Implication: Retailers can explore innovative solutions for safe product returns to enhance customer experience and safety measures. - [Streamlined Return Solutions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/happy-returns-s): Happy Returns and FedEx Make it Easier for Consumers to Return Items (Category: Business) Implication: Retailers could benefit from developing innovative return solutions, like eco-conscious returns, in order to increase brand loyalty and customer satisfaction. - [Efficient Return Strategic Partnerships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-return-system): Amazon Debuts New Return System for Whole Foods Market (Category: Business) Implication: Retailers can innovate their returns system by implementing new technology and partnerships to create a more efficient and convenient return experience for customers. - [Social Shopping Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/video-shopping-feature): Verishop Launched a New Video Shopping Feature Named "Shop Party" (Category: Tech) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporate video shopping features into e-commerce platforms, transforming how customers interact and shop online. - [Efficient Holiday Retail Returns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/carrier-pickup): Walmart Launched Its Carrier Pickup Service to Improve Returns (Category: Business) Implication: Innovative logistics solutions that make it easy and safe to return products from consumers' homes will be in high demand. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Conversion](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/ai-assisted-checkout) (Business) - [Occasion Commerce](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/occasion-commerce) (Business) - [Autonomous Merchandising](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/autonomous-merchandising) (Business) - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Business - [Performance-Based Creator Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/creator-ad-platforms) - [MIami Pop-Culture Shirts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/miami-pop-culture-shirts) - [Natural Deodorant Expansions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/target-beauty-studios) - [Mini Beauty Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/little-luxuries-store) All articles: [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/business)