PrettyLittleThing has implemented a £1.99 return fee for UK customers, starting 3 June.
- The fee will be deducted from refunds or paid directly if using alternative couriers like Evri, Royal Mail, and Inpost.
- This move aligns PrettyLittleThing with other retailers like Zara, Boohoo, and New Look, which have also introduced similar charges.
- Online retailer Oh Polly has adjusted its returns policy to charge customers based on return frequency, potentially costing up to £8.99 per return.
- The introduction of these fees highlights the fashion industry’s response to the growing issue of returns management.
From 3 June, PrettyLittleThing, a Boohoo Group-owned womenswear retailer, has begun implementing a return fee of £1.99 for UK consumers. Customers choosing to return goods will see this amount deducted from their refund, or be required to pay it directly if they select alternative couriers such as Evri, Royal Mail, and Inpost.
This decision places PrettyLittleThing among other high-profile retailers that have recently begun charging for returns. Notably, Zara initiated a £1.95 postal return fee in May 2022, while Boohoo and New Look introduced a £1.99 return fee in July 2022 and February 2023, respectively. Such charges are becoming a common trend in the retail sector, reflecting evolving business strategies.
In a related development, the online fashion retailer Oh Polly has tailored its returns policy to combat what it describes as ‘repeat refunders.’ Under its new approach, the cost of returns will be calculated based on an individual’s return rate, with charges potentially reaching up to £8.99 for returning an entire order.
These measures underscore a broader industry effort to address the financial implications of handling returns. Retailers are increasingly focusing on managing return rates and costs, which have posed significant challenges in maintaining profitability amidst escalating logistical expenses.
The introduction of return fees by PrettyLittleThing and others indicates a strategic pivot in the fashion industry towards efficient returns management.
