After peak season, $120 billion in online goods are expected to be returned in the U.S.

It is learned that according to estimates by returns processor Optoro, $120 billion worth of online goods are expected to be returned in the United States from Thanksgiving to the end of January 2022.

Optoro says two-thirds of shoppers are likely to return at least one gift during the 2021 holiday season. Shipping costs are rising due to tightening supply chains and a tight labor market. These returns will cost retailers 59% more than last year.

But despite supply chain issues and inflation, it didn’t stop Americans from shopping this year. U.S. retail sales grew 8.5% year-over-year between November 1 and December 24, according to a new report from Mastercard. The surge in spending was driven by an increase in apparel sales.

Overall, this holiday season is on track to set a new online sales record, with holiday sales this year likely up 11.5% from last year, with U.S. retailers generating $789 billion in revenue for the 2020 holiday season.

Editor ✎ Xiao Zhu/

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