Between 2021 and 2022, Shop Apotheke managed to keep return rates below one percent. However, online returns of purchased products required over 23,000 kilograms of packaging in 2022, up from the previous year. According to the data released by the e-commerce pharmaceutical, most of package material was made of cardboard.

Between 2019 and 2021, the amount of returned merchandise ending up in landfills almost doubled in the United States. This figure hit 4.34 million tons, up from the previous year when some 2.61 million tons were thrown away. Similarly, greenhouse gas emissions also increased from transporting returns, reaching 27 million metric tons of CO2 in 2021. As of 2023, return volume declined to 3.5 billion tons.

In 2024, about **** percent of (in-store and online) retail purchases in the United States resulted in returns. This was the highest return rate in the observed period.

Sweden Business Survey: COVID-19 Effect: SO: Trade: Retail: Response Rate data was reported at 43.000 % in 11 Aug 2021. This stayed constant from the previous number of 43.000 % for 15 Jul 2021. Sweden Business Survey: COVID-19 Effect: SO: Trade: Retail: Response Rate data is updated daily, averaging 46.000 % from May 2020 (Median) to 11 Aug 2021, with 19 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 57.000 % in 12 Aug 2020 and a record low of 25.000 % in 29 Jul 2020. Sweden Business Survey: COVID-19 Effect: SO: Trade: Retail: Response Rate data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by National Institute of Economic Research. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Sweden – Table SE.S009: Business Survey: COVID-19 Effect: Seizing Operations (Discontinued).

Supermarkets and grocery stores have endured a transformative journey since 2019, shaped by the pandemic, geopolitical tensions and an ever-changing market landscape. Grocers first encountered unprecedented demand as lockdowns redirected consumers' spending from entertainment to at-home essentials. Sales spiked, but the boom was fleeting; by 2021, factors like declining disposable income and soaring food prices reversed the trend. Even post-pandemic, the industry is evolving—more consumers than ever are embracing online grocery shopping, prompting traditional retailers to bolster their digital presence. Those unable or unwilling to adapt were largely forced out, while the largest supermarket chains maintained dominance through aggressive merger and acquisition activity and by leveraging vertically integrated operations. This momentous period caused heightened revenue volatility that still persists. Revenue has been rising at a CAGR of 0.1% over the past five years and is expected to dip 0.9% in 2024 when revenue will reach $111.9 billion. Amid this transformation, significant profit disparities worsened in an incredibly concentrated industry. Geopolitical instabilities like the war in Ukraine intensified supply chain disruptions, impacting costs for retailers. Rising energy prices compound this issue, squeezing profit as transportation expenses mount. Meanwhile, climate change injects further unpredictability into production costs, forcing grocers to manage these pressures by cautiously adjusting consumer prices. A class-action lawsuit against Loblaw Cos. Ltd. underscores market concentration challenges, spotlighting potential anti-competitive behaviours and their implications. This legal scrutiny, combined with governmental pressure for price transparency, could foster a more equitable marketplace. Should dominant players like Loblaw adjust their pricing strategies, it may level the playing field for smaller competitors, expanding competition and consumer choice. Over the next five years, a stable economic backdrop will support modest revenue growth for supermarkets. As disposable incomes stabilize, a return to preferred brands could uplift grocers' revenue. A more tempered rise in food prices will allow for strategic pricing decisions, providing grocers with a favourable environment for maintaining consumer loyalty. Technological advancements will be pivotal, with retailers expected to deepen investments in e-commerce and in-store technologies like AI-powered inventory management. This investment will be crucial as online grocery shopping and big-box retailers thrive. Governmental regulatory efforts may also reshape industry dynamics, offering smaller grocers a greater chance to compete by enhancing pricing equity. Continued inventory diversification reflecting health-conscious consumer preferences will likely continue, driven by rising interest in plant-based and ethical products. Retailers that navigate these shifts adeptly, leveraging both technology and emerging consumer trends, are poised to gain a competitive edge. Revenue is forecast to climb at a CAGR of 1.7% over the next five years, reaching $122.0 billion in 2029.

Pet stores prospered in recent years as households have become more financially stable and pet ownership has risen. Pet parents have increasingly lavished their pets with premium food products, designer pet accessories and luxury grooming services. The industry has expanded despite mounting competition from supermarkets, mass merchandisers and online retailers. These competitors offer similar products at greater convenience and competitive prices. Traditional brick-and-mortar stores have successfully positioned themselves as pioneers and exclusive providers of high-quality food and additional service offerings, like grooming or day care. Pet store revenue is expected to climb at a CAGR of 0.3% to $31.6 billion through the end of 2025, including growth of 1.4% in 2025 alone. The revenue growth rate was suppressed because revenue jumped 18.6% to begin the period, as pet ownership skyrocketed in response to the pandemic. Since pets are widely viewed as family members, pet owners have shifted their preferences to higher-quality organic, gluten-free and grain-free pet foods to keep their pets happy and healthy. These premium products and services are high-margin, enabling profit gains for pet stores. Sales of designer dog breeds have also jumped in recent years, contributing to recent growth. While stores have capitalized on growing pet ownership trends, pet store sales growth was constrained by online retailers' surging popularity. Moving forward, pet stores will continue to exhibit revenue growth, albeit slower than before. While positive consumer trends will benefit pet stores, competition from online retailers, mass merchandisers and discount department stores will be more vigorous, limiting the expansion. An aging population will contribute to higher sales of pets and pet-related products as older consumers adopt pets to fulfill their needs for companionship. Younger consumers will continue to buy pets as companions and to round out their budding families. Stores will push premium products and pets to cater to growing appetites for luxury among many consumers. Pet store revenue is expected to swell at a CAGR of 2.4% to $35.6 billion through the end of 2030.

The average return for prime retail real estate in Europe and the UK is forecast to slow in 2025. In 2024, the average return in the UK was estimated at 11.6 percent, and in 2025, it was expected to decline to 8.4 percent. Overall, the investment and development prospects of high street retail real estate have improved since 2021.

When asked whether they would return to shopping in physical retail stores as frequently as they used to before the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, many consumers in Europe stated they intended to visit stores less frequently. With a net balance of about -44 percent, shoppers in the United Kingdom (UK) were the least likely to shop in-store, in turn making the return of pre-pandemic footfall levels very unlikely. While online sales are on the rise, consumers in each of the six countries analyzed generally expect to reduce physical shop visits.

Supermarkets and grocery store outcomes have been a tale of dealing with volatile prices at their purchase and sales points. The continued expansion of Aldi and Amazon has forced the two established industry giants, Woolworths and Coles, to remain price-competitive on both the physical store and online service fronts. To differentiate themselves from low-cost supermarkets, Coles and Woolworths have leant into attracting customers with convenient locations and expanded online shopping capabilities. These supermarket giants also rely on loyalty programs and promotions. Coles and Woolworths have displayed interest in data analytics, strengthening their relationships with analytics firms like Palantir to optimise their marketing and operational processes. The ACCC and Treasury have taken the lead on addressing supplier and customer concerns relating to deceptive discounting practices and supplier contract bargaining exploitation. Supermarket and grocer revenue rose significantly following the COVID-19 outbreak. Household expenditure shifted towards retail industries amid restrictions on many services industries, with this imbalance remaining as high costs limit eating out. A combination of panic buying, along with the suspension of many specials and promotions in supermarkets, boosted grocery turnover at the beginning of the period, spiking revenue for 2019-20. This high benchmark at the start of the period has resulted in an industry correction and an annualised revenue decline of 0.6% to $148.7 billion over the five years to 2024-25. However, stores have largely managed to pass on upstream costs to customers, steadying their profit margins while suppliers and consumers bear the brunt of inflation-driven costs. Revenue is estimated to climb by 0.2% in 2024-25, reflecting the price-driven industry growth more indicative of the overall revenue trend that was drowned out by the pandemic revenue spike and correction. Supermarkets and grocery stores are set to continue performing well with industry revenue slated to climb at an annualised 0.4% over the five years through 2029-30 to $142.8 billion. Population growth and stubborn inflationary pressures, despite rate hikes, are set to keep store prices inching upwards. The results of the Treasury and the ACCC's investigations will shine a light on new regulations and potential penalties in store for large supermarkets. Eventually, when inflationary pressures subside and consumer sentiment returns to a positive level, supermarkets and grocers will be well-positioned to take advantage of consumer appetite for value-added and premium goods. Strong growth in online sales is set to continue.

Here, we’re looking at other elements that may play a role in how you run your email marketing campaigns and the average metrics you could expect.

Most computer and equipment wholesale companies are small, and their performance is mostly swayed by downstream business, government and consumer spending. Revenue is estimated to drop at a compound annual rate of 0.9% over the five years through 2024-25 to £44.3 billion, with a 0.9% dip in 2024-25. Profit in the industry has slightly risen to 3.1% in 2024-25. Advancing IT adoption and product innovation have sustained sales. Demand for computers and peripheral equipment has also been boosted by increasing government capital expenditure and a growing number of UK businesses. However, high inflation and weak consumer confidence have affected businesses' attitudes towards IT budgets, even though B2B demand is usually steady regardless of consumer spending. The UK's inflation rate has decreased in 2024-25, but many organisations remain cautious about investing in new hardware and systems. Due to this caution, organisations may delay making IT purchasing decisions or opt for leasing or refurbished hardware instead. Computer wholesalers have also contended with wholesale bypass as more computer manufacturers are selling products directly to large computer retailers and online retailers instead of wholesalers, limiting sales. Fortunately for wholesalers, with the rise of remote work, companies are now investing heavily in home office setups, including laptops, monitors, webcams and headsets. Significant investments in cloud infrastructure are also being made to support this decentralised workforce efficiently. Revenue is set to grow at a compound annual rate of 2% over the five years through 2029-30 to reach £49 billion. Although the cost-of-living crisis is fading, real wages compared to prices aren't likely to return to 2021 levels until 2027, according to ONS forecasts. However, IT advancements and innovation in tech products will incite spending from gadget-loving consumers. Business customers increasingly want efficient hardware solutions compatible with cloud computing – with over 85% of UK companies expected to adopt cloud technology by 2025-26 – driving purchases of supplementary items such as docking stations, headsets and network gear. Stiff competition between wholesalers and increasing wholesale bypass are set to hinder revenue and profit growth. Lower prices, due to productivity and efficiency gains at the manufacturing level, will also curb growth in demand.

The most profitable year in terms of return on investment in premium retail property across Russia was 2008, with a capitalization rate of 13 percent. In 2021, the indicator amounted to roughly 11 percent.

In 2023, the return of the national NCREIF Property Index in the United States declined for the first time since 2009. The annualized total return of the index plummeted in 2023, followed by a slight increase in 2024. Just three years ago, in 2021, the rate of return of the index hit **** percent. The NCREIF Property Index reflects the change in prices of commercial real estate for investment purposes in the United States. Property types with the highest cap rates Cap rates, which measure the expected return rate of a real estate asset, were the highest for retail properties in 2023. While a higher cap rate indicates a higher rate of return, it is also associated with higher risk: The multifamily sector, which has enjoyed steady and robust growth in recent years, had the lowest cap rate of all commercial property types. Commercial property area with the best development prospects In 2025, the real estate development opportunities for single-family housing were deemed to be the best when compared with other types of commercial property. Industrial real estate includes warehouses, factories, and big box distribution centers.

In 2023, Generation X shoppers gave insight on the main reasons why they return online apparel purchases in the United States. The leading reason for returning a purchase was due to not liking the sizing of the clothes, with more than 35 percent of respondents citing this. A quarter of online fashion consumers returned their order due to the items not looking as they thought they would, and only about 12 percent bought the same item in different sizes and returned the ones that did not fit.

The return order volume for purchases made online was at 15.8 percent in 2022 in India. This was a decrease as compared to the previous year when the return volume stood at over 17 percent. Moreover, the majority of the returns belonged to the fashion segment under apparel and footwear.

The main reason for consumers around the world to return clothes that they bought online was that items didn't fit properly, with ** percent of consumers citing this reason. Additionally, ** percent of online shoppers reported that they returned clothes bought online because the items did not suit them.

In 2017, U.S. return delivery costs were estimated to be 350 billion U.S. dollars. This figure has been steadily increasing and is predicted to reach 550 billion U.S. dollars by 2020. Return delivery costs Return deliveries are when the purchaser of an item returns it to the supplier they bought it from, for example because it is damaged or not suitable for the intended purpose. Most commonly the term refers to consumer goods purchased online. The majority of e-commerce returns occur by post and generally at no cost to the consumer. On top of delivery costs, there are also expenses associated with processing the item once received, for example to resell the item, increasing the overall cost to online retailers. Growth of e-commerce The increase in total return delivery costs likely tracks the growth in online retailing. In the U.S., retail e-commerce sales increased by around 300 percent between 2009 and 2019, reaching over 140 billion U.S. dollars per quarter. Return deliveries are therefore likely to continue growing, meaning retailers may need to consider how to manage this increasing expense. Charging for return deliveries and restocking is very unpopular amongst consumers; making it unlikely retailers will start passing on return delivery costs. However, most retailers are open to the idea of banning serial returners from shopping on their website.

In 2022, eight out of ten U.S. online shoppers who had returned an order said they did so because the item was damaged or defective. In addition, three-quarters of e-commerce consumers had made a return because the item didn't fit, while ** percent stated that the item did not match the description.

The share of online shoppers who return packages at post offices has decreased in the last three years in the United Kingdom (UK). In 2021, nearly two-fifths of consumers used post office parcel services. Two years later, in 2023, this share had dropped to roughly one-third of shoppers.

Retail properties had the highest capitalization rates in the United States in 2023, followed by offices. The cap rate for office real estate was **** percent in the fourth quarter of the year and was forecast to rise further to **** percent in 2024. Cap rates measure the expected rate of return on investment, and show the net operating income of a property as a percentage share of the current asset value. While a higher cap rate indicates a higher rate of return, it also suggests a higher risk. Why have cap rates increased? The increase in cap rates is a consequence of a repricing in the commercial real estate sector. According to the National NCREIF Property Return Index, prices for commercial real estate declined across all property types in 2023. Rental growth was slow during the same period, resulting in a negative annual return. The increase in cap rates reflects the increased risk in the investment environment. Pricing uncertainty in the commercial real estate sector Between 2014 and 2021, commercial property prices in the U.S. enjoyed steady growth. Access to credit with low interest rates facilitated economic growth and real estate investment. As inflation surged in the following two years, lending policy tightened. That had a significant effect on the sector. First, it worsened sentiment among occupiers. Second, it led to a decline in demand for commercial spaces and commercial real estate investment volumes. Uncertainty about the future development of interest rates and occupier demand further contributed to the repricing of real estate assets.