Happy Returns’ Return Bars reopen with contact-free in-person returns
Today, Happy Returns is excited to announce that our Return Bar network is reopening nationwide. The industry-leading experience now offers in-person returns that are box, label, and contact-free.
“We’re thrilled to re-open our Return Bar network and provide returns that are not only box-free and label-free, but also contact-free. We have worked with our partners to adapt our return process to the new normal of contactless retail experiences.”
-Happy Returns CEO and co-founder, David Sobie
The news is particularly exciting as returns volume continues to increase across the Happy Returns customer base. Return volume grew 30% in May versus April and 23% last week (June 7, 2020) versus the same week in May.
Happy Returns’ Return Bars are reopening
Over 200 of our Return Bars have reopened across the country—in collaboration with our partners, including Bed Bath & Beyond, Cost Plus World Market, and Paper Source. Additional Return Bars will continue to reopen as local and state governments lift restrictions.
The most-up-to date information is available on our Return Bar Locator.
How the contact-free in-person returns process works
The updated Return Bar process is box, label, and now contact-free. The experience’s 94 NPS and 50% program adoption remain as high as before COVID-19.
To return items in-person, shoppers simply follow five contactless steps:
Extend their phone for the store associate, called a Returnista, to scan their personalized QR code. The shopper can also provide an email address for the Returnista to enter.
Hold up their item(s), so the Returnista can visually validate the item(s).
Insert their item(s) in a small bag.
Allow the Returnista to scan the bag’s QR code.
Place the bagged item(s) in one of Happy Returns’ reusable totes, which are part of the industry’s only cardboard-free returns program.
Shoppers still receive refunds immediately and complete the process in under 60 seconds per item. Participating retailers that offer the distinctive experience to their shoppers save an average of 20% on reverse logistics when they use Happy Returns’ full solution.
What shoppers say about the experience
Participating shoppers continue to rate the in-person returns experience extremely highly, citing feelings of safety, ease, and speed.
One REVOLVE shopper said she would pay for the experience, if needed. Another shopper, a patron of Rothy’s, left a comment about how much she loved the “efficient and courteous” process, particularly how “local and eco friendly” it is.
“The process was very easy and pleasant. I felt very safe having “no contact” during the coronavirus pandemic.”
—Ballard, a Huckberry Shopper
What Return Bar hosts say about the experience
Return Bar hosts report that Happy Returns continues to be a valuable channel for foot traffic, customer acquisition, and revenue.
“Our customers have always loved Happy Returns, and it’s been great for our stores.” “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.”
— Scott Traverso, Director of Store Operations Cost Plus World Market
Thank you to our partners for helping us introduce the future of returns.
Andre Julien
Senior Manager of Operations
Andre Julien is the Senior Manager of Operations at Happy Returns. Previously, he served as the Manager of Customer Experience at The Bouqs Company. Before that, he worked as the Technical Operations & Processes Manager at Hautelook.
