Happy Returns Reopens 200+ Store-Based Return Bars, Adds Contactless Procedures

June 16, 2020 at 12:16 PM EDT

By Adam Blair

More than 200 in-person return drop-off locations are operating again at retailers including Paper Source and Cost Plus World Market. Happy Returns had closed its 700+-store Return Bar network in March due to COVID-19, but the company has reopened this portion with new contactless customer interaction processes.

Instead of handing returned items to store associates for processing, shoppers now bag items themselves, depositing the sealed bags into Happy Returns reusable totes for aggregated shipping. The procedure now includes use of QR codes to start the return process, reducing the need for customer-associate interactions to call up orders and handle returns.

“As we reopen our stores, we’re excited to offer this updated service to serve our shoppers in a way that generates valuable foot traffic and gives peace of mind to shoppers and store associates,” said Scott Traverso, Director of Store Operations at Cost Plus World Market in a statement.

“Happy Returns visitors are new to the brand, and during their visits, they become Paper Source customers at a very encouraging rate,” said Jenica Myszkowski, COO of Paper Source in a statement.

“We’re thrilled to be able to reopen our Return Bar network and provide returns that are not only box-free and label-free, but also contact-free,” said David Sobie, Co-Founder and CEO of Happy Returns in a statement. “We have worked with location partners to adapt our return process to the new normal of contact less retail experiences.”

Article was originally published here.