How big of a challenge are returns to e-commerce retailers?

Article: Kapner, S. & Ziobro, P. (2021, January 11). Retailers Say Skip Returns of Unwanted Items. The Wall Street Journal. https://www.proquest.com/docview/2476504877/fulltext/834D9AFC83144B9FPQ/2?accountid=25320 (SEE ATTACHMENT)

Summary: Retailers have a new message for consumers looking to return an item: Keep it.

Questions:

1. How big of a challenge are returns to e-commerce retailers? In other words, what's the scale and scope of the challenge?

2. What new approach are some retailers now using to handle returns?

3. Critically evaluate - articulate both advantages and disadvantages - of the new approach to returns that you described in the earlier question.