Dressbarn to offer contactless returns

Dive Brief:

Happy Returns will facilitate Dressbarn's return processes, including providing software and reverse logistics for the apparel retailer. The service will allow shoppers to purchase items online and drop off returns in-person at Return Bar locations, the company announced on Tuesday.
Dressbarn customers will receive a QR code to execute contactless returns and receive a refund or exchange items without needing a box or a label. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the platform has modified its procedure to allow contactless returns, per the company statement.
Happy Returns reopened its Return Bar network in May and currently has more than 500 drop-off locations across 150 metro areas nationally. In the first 30 days since the platform began handling Dressbarn's returns process, more than 75% of Dressbarn shoppers have returned items in-person rather than via mail, per the company press release.

Dive Insight:

Retail Ecommerce Ventures, which acquired Dressbarn's intellectual property in 2019, has also snapped up other brands and retailers like Modell's, Pier 1 Imports and Linens 'n Things. Now that Dressbarn is part of the firm's portfolio, the company is revamping the women's apparel retailer as a digital, e-commerce platform.

"Having enjoyed our physical stores for decades, our shoppers are accustomed to the convenience of in-person returns," Dressbarn CEO Shayan Zadeh said in a statement. "To meet these customer expectations while also growing our online presence, Happy Returns' network provides Dressbarn shoppers with the accessibility of a physical drop-off location while still maintaining a contactless experience."

In addition to its new partnership with Dressbarn, Happy Returns has added other retailers like Avenue and World Market to its roster. As retailers enlist the returns company's help, it remains to be seen how much consumers will spend and return during this upcoming holiday season, but a September 2019 report from Oracle found that 77% of consumers planned to return some of their gifts received during the last holiday season.