// H&M to charge fees for online returns
// The retailer is affected by rising costs in sourcing, manufacturing and shipping
H&M is considering charging fees for online returns as the number of refunds rise by 30%.
The fashion retailer‘s CEO Helena Helmersson said H&M will trial a return fee in a few of its markets but it will only apply to online returns.
If a customer returns a product that was bought online in-store, there is no fee.
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H&M is being affected by rising costs in sourcing, manufacturing and shipping.
Charging a fee for online returns is H&M’s first cost-saving exercise, not one to drive sustainability or reduce CO2 emissions.
The retailer’s current online returns policy states “H&M will refund most items, provided it has not been damaged, soiled, washed, altered or worn and that all labels and tags are attached”.
All retailers should charge for returns to reduce the amount of people abusing a retailer’s returns policy or purposely over ordering to obtain free p&p.