L.A. startup raises $4 million for many Happy Returns

By Annlee Ellingson | Sep 13, 2017

Sometimes it’s just easier to return an item in person, even if it was bought online.

That’s the pain point that Happy Returns aims to solve with return desks for e-commerce retailers in shopping centers and stores.

The Santa Monica, California startup has closed $4 million in Series A financing led by Silicon Beach-based Upfront Ventures.

The company also recently added Chubbies, City Chic, Jaanuu, Paul Evans and Yosi Samra as e-tailer partners for which it will accept returns. Existing partners include Everlane, Carbon 38, Eloquii, Shoes of Prey and its original client Tradesy.

Since the company’s launch last year, Happy Returns has grown from three Return Bars in Los Angeles and San Francisco to 40 locations in 14 major metro areas.

“With the recent announcement that Amazon will be accepting returns at Whole Foods, as well as the increasing demand by shoppers for free return shipping, retailers know offering a frictionless and even delightful return experience is quickly becoming a must-have to remain competitive,” said Happy Returns co-founder and CEO David Sobie in a statement.

Upfront partner Greg Bettinnelli and Brian Spaly, co-founder of online retailers Bonobos and Trunk Club, have joined the Happy Returns board. Spaly participated in the company’s seed and Series A rounds.

“We believe returns are the next major area for innovation and disruption in commerce,” added Bettinnelli.

Write to Annlee Ellingson at annleeellingson@bizjournals.com

Article was originally published here.