With the holidays behind us, the season of giving has quickly shifted to the season of returning. Redding, California, is seeing this trend firsthand at its newest UPS store, located on Churn Creek Road, which opened just five weeks ago. Store owner Ben Bradshaw has already noticed significant business growth as customers flood in to return Christmas gifts.
Bradshaw explained, "Amazon has extended returns to February, so people are starting to think about returns during this time." This return window extension is likely contributing to the rising number of customers venturing out to return items they received during the festive period.
At this UPS location, nine staff members are on board to assist with the return rush. During each shift, five employees work diligently to manage the steady flow of customers who are wrapping up their holiday business. The new store's proximity to Costco is also advantageous, as shoppers like Tim Dickuy find the convenience makes returns effortless.
"I returned my old phone and got a new one," said Dickuy, highlighting how the store's location has simplified his returning process. This sort of ease is what Bradshaw aims for as he prioritizes customer satisfaction amid the post-holiday surge.
The National Retail Federation has reported interesting figures, noting 7% of shoppers conducted their holiday shopping exclusively online, with more than 30% making the majority of their purchases digitally. This trend has resulted in numerous returns, stretching physical store capacities to accommodate the demands of e-commerce. Bradshaw emphasizes the importance of being prepared for such activity, especially as more retailers adopt extended return policies.
With extended returns drawing customers back, Bradshaw and his dedicated team are ready to help shoppers navigate the process. They understand the surge at return counters, as buyers seek to remedy their holiday gifting missteps and unusual purchases.
Through timely service and extended returns, customers are encouraged to wrap up their holiday returns and start the New Year with minimal baggage. The growing reliance on e-commerce has not only influenced how gifts are purchased but has also birthed this dynamic return culture. Bradshaw’s UPS store plays an integral role at this intersection, ready to assist shoppers as they navigate the post-holiday return trip.
At the newly opened UPS store, the post-holiday returning rush isn't just inevitable; it's embraced. For both the community and the business, it marks the closing of the festive chapter and the beginning of making smart spending choices as customers reset for the year ahead.
