Simon Encourages Returns of Goods Purchased Online to the Mall

Rhea-AI Summary

On April 22, 2021, Simon emphasized sustainability by urging shoppers to return online purchases to physical stores instead of using couriers or mail. This practice can cut carbon emissions by up to 40%. In 2020, online returns soared to $102 billion, with apparel returns reaching 40%. Aharon Kestenbaum, Head of Sustainability, highlighted the environmental and economic advantages of in-store returns. Despite these benefits, only 7% of retailers encourage this method, even though customers prefer the convenience and immediate refunds associated with in-person returns.

Positive

• Encouraging in-store returns can reduce carbon emissions by up to 40%.
• In-store returns offer retailers economic advantages, such as higher cross-sell rates and lower shipping costs.
• Shoppers prefer the convenience of returning items in person.

Negative

• Only 7% of retailers promote in-store returns despite the benefits.

INDIANAPOLIS, April 22, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of its ongoing sustainability efforts, and in recognition of Earth Day, Simon encourages shoppers and retailers to reduce carbon emissions related to online returns. By returning purchases to the store rather than by common courier or by the US mail, carbon emissions can be reduced by up to 40 percent. 

Online returns are a growing problem in retail, with studies showing online returns doubled in 2020 to $102 billion with apparel returns as high as 40 percent of items ordered online. 

"Where you shop matters," said Aharon Kestenbaum, Head of Sustainability, Simon. "And where you return also matters. Online returns are a growing problem that adversely and materially impacts the environment. Returning online purchases to the store offers consumers and retailers the opportunity to lessen that impact."

Stores are the most sustainably friendly option for processing returns and offer retailers a clear economic advantage: higher save-the-sale/cross-sell rates and lower return shipping costs.

Only seven percent of retailers proactively promote and encourage shoppers to return online purchases to stores despite these environmental and financial benefits and even though shoppers prefer the speed and convenience of making a return in person and the peace of mind of receiving an immediate refund.

For more information on Simon's sustainability initiatives and studies, click here.

 

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SOURCE Simon

FAQ

What is Simon's initiative for Earth Day 2021 regarding online returns?

On Earth Day 2021, Simon encouraged shoppers to return online purchases to physical stores to reduce carbon emissions.

How much can carbon emissions be reduced by returning items to the store instead of using couriers?

Returning items to the store can reduce carbon emissions by up to 40%.

What was the total value of online returns in 2020?

Online returns totaled $102 billion in 2020.

What percentage of online apparel purchases were returned in 2020?

About 40% of online apparel purchases were returned in 2020.

Why do only a small percentage of retailers promote in-store returns?

Only 7% of retailers promote in-store returns, despite their environmental and financial benefits.