A fifth of UK retailers have tightened their returns policies over the past year , with a further fifth planning to implement similar strategies within the past year , according to a survey by Barclaycard . Trying on a dress for size is a shopping habit as old as the fashion industry itself. The trend is a backlash against 'serial returners', with some shoppers purchasing items to wear once before returning them for a refund, while others intentionally over-order. The policy of free returns, which many consumers expect as standard, is hurting retailers' revenue, but also has an environmental impact. Fashion retailer Asos reported average emissions of 3.8 kg per delivery, with total emissions reaching A fifth mt 12 months .
A fifth of UK retailers have tightened their returns policies over the past year , with a further fifth planning to implement similar strategies within the past year , according to a survey by Barclaycard . The trend is a backlash against 'serial returners', with some shoppers purchasing items to wear once before returning them for a refund, while others intentionally over-order. The policy of free returns, which many consumers expect as standard, is hurting retailers' revenue, but also has an environmental impact. Fashion retailer Asos reported average emissions of 3.8 kg per delivery, with total emissions reaching A fifth mt 12 months .