Many unhappy returns: UK retailers count the costly growth in sent-back items

Mounting waste, rising costs and shrinking profits prompt firms to find ways to deter shoppers from sending stuff backAs the UK gears up for this year’s festive shopping spree, retailers are increasingly worried about how to handle the millions of unwanted items bought online and then sent back by shoppers.Up to half of clothing bought on websites is returned, depending on the retailer, and last year the number of items sent back rose by 26% on 2021, with the biggest day for returns being