National returns day

For storeowners, calendars are used to determine when to expect the biggest purchases—as well as when some of those purchases will invariably be returned.

However well intended the purchases are, a significant fraction of the orders get returned back to the stores. In recent years, consumers got used to the option to return the goods back—and expect that this service is free, though it creates extra costs for retailers.

When it comes to clothing, some have even accustomed to ordering the desired item in several sizes at once and returning all but one back.

Expect the most returns to come back to you in the first few working days after a major shopping—or gifting—day.

The US shipping company UPS has named the first Monday after the New Year’s Day the National Returns Day, since this is the day that shoppers are most likely to return unwanted Christmas gifts back to retailers.

Don’t expect or prepare for an increase of orders on National Returns Day, quite the opposite. Be ready to accept back items you sold before Christmas.