Returns & Surplus Statistics 2026
Return rates, restocking costs, liquidation channels, and surplus inventory data for 2026.
TL;DR
- 21 statistics across 5 categories, all source-cited.
- Sourced from 16 named research outlets including B-Stock Solutions Pulse Report, Baymard Institute, Ellen MacArthur Foundation, First Insight, Good360.
- Updated May 2026 — refreshed quarterly.
- Return rates, restocking costs, liquidation channels, and surplus inventory data for 2026.
Return Rates
How much actually comes back.
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US retail returns hit $743 billion in 2023 (14.5% of total sales).Source: National Retail Federation · 2024
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Online return rate was 16.9% in 2023.Source: National Retail Federation · 2024
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Apparel ecommerce return rate: 24.4%.Source: National Retail Federation · 2024
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Footwear ecommerce return rate: 18.2%.Source: Statista · 2024
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Bracketing (buying multiple sizes) is now 61% of fashion online orders.Source: Narvar Consumer Report · 2024
Restocking Costs
What it costs to put a return back on the shelf.
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Reverse logistics costs average 21% of original order value.Source: Optoro · 2024
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5 billion lbs of returns end up in landfills annually in the US alone.Source: Optoro · 2024
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Average cost to process a single return: $33 for retailers.Source: Goodbuy / Returns Industry Council · 2024
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Only 54% of returned items are resold at full price.Source: Optoro · 2024
Surplus & Liquidation
Where excess and returned inventory ends up.
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B-stock liquidation channels grew 32% YoY in 2024.Source: B-Stock Solutions Pulse Report · 2024
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Average liquidation recovery rate: 7-15% of MSRP.Source: Liquidity Services · 2024
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DTC brands hold an average of 16 weeks of cover stock.Source: Inventory Optimization Institute · 2024
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Excess inventory costs US retailers $471.9 billion annually.Source: IHL Group · 2024
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Donation through gift-in-kind networks recovers ~28% of book value via tax deduction.Source: Good360 · 2024
Customer Behaviour
How returns shape brand loyalty.
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67% of online shoppers check return policy before purchasing.Source: UPS Pulse of the Online Shopper · 2023
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76% of first-time customers won't return to a retailer after a poor returns experience.Source: Narvar · 2024
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Free returns lift conversion 16% on average.Source: Baymard Institute · 2024
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Returns fraud and abuse cost US retailers $101B in 2023 (13.7% of returns).Source: NRF / Appriss Retail · 2024
Sustainability
Carbon and waste footprint of returns.
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Returns generate ~24M metric tons of CO2 emissions per year in the US.Source: Optoro · 2024
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63% of consumers say they'd pay more for sustainable returns options.Source: First Insight · 2024
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Brands with circular returns programs reduce waste-to-landfill 36%.Source: Ellen MacArthur Foundation · 2024
Frequently asked questions
What are the latest return rates statistics for 2026?
US retail returns hit $743 billion in 2023 (14.5% of total sales). (Source: National Retail Federation, 2024.)
What are the latest restocking costs statistics for 2026?
Reverse logistics costs average 21% of original order value. (Source: Optoro, 2024.)
What are the latest surplus & liquidation statistics for 2026?
B-stock liquidation channels grew 32% YoY in 2024. (Source: B-Stock Solutions Pulse Report, 2024.)
What are the latest customer behaviour statistics for 2026?
67% of online shoppers check return policy before purchasing. (Source: UPS Pulse of the Online Shopper, 2023.)
What are the latest sustainability statistics for 2026?
Returns generate ~24M metric tons of CO2 emissions per year in the US. (Source: Optoro, 2024.)
Turn surplus into revenue
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