Why Brands Need To Rethink Their Returns Strategy Before Peak Season
As retailers assess their returns programs in response to changing tariffs, now is also a good time to stress-test them before peak season hits.
Home » Blogs » Think Tank » Why Brands Need To Rethink Their Returns Strategy Before Peak Season Think Tank RSS Why Brands Need To Rethink Their Returns Strategy Before Peak Season October 29, 2026 Helaine Rich, SCB Contributor As retailers gear up for the busiest shopping season of the year, marked by tariffs and regulations that can change within days, there’s another peak lurking just beyond it that is getting even more complex and expensive for retailers. It’s the peak season of returns – and many are not ready for how it’s changing.
U.S. retailers saw nearly $850 billion in merchandise returns last year – with that volume being pushed higher by consumers’ buying habits. Increasingly, shoppers are buying multiple colors and sizes of an item with the intention of returning part of the order. For brands selling internationally, every one of those returns carries customs, duty and regulatory complexity.
Over the past year, the financial exposure on those returns has shifted significantly. The end of de minimis exemptions means shipments that previously moved duty-free now face per-parcel and per-HS-code fees. Tariff increases on common commodities have reached as high as 50% in some markets. And more changes, such as the next phase of the EU’s customs reform, which goes into effect on November 1, are expected in the months ahead. The timing and speed at which we’ve seen tariffs shift are changing how e-commerce brands can prepare for both peaks.
This story was originally published by SupplyChainBrain. Read the full story at SupplyChainBrain →
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