Holiday Gifts and Return Season

ZANESVILLE, OH –Gift cards are more popular than ever this year, showing a noticeable increase in sales.

Gift cards often provide the perfect solution for those who are uncertain about what to buy, especially for loved ones who can be hard to shop for. Colony Square Mall encourages the use of gift cards as a way to reduce the number of returns.

“Gift cards are a one size fits all type of gift so we’re seeing a rise in gift card sales,” Colony Square General Manager Jessica Brailer said. “I think it’s an experience too; the recipient of a gift card is able to go out and enjoy their time shopping! They can get something to eat or pick out an item that has been on their wishlist.”

Now that the hectic holiday season is winding down, return season begins. Gifts tend to be returned at a higher rate than regular purchases after the holidays. Returns present an 890-billion-dollar problem for retailers, with return rates expected to hit 17% or higher during this time according to NBC. The surge in online shopping during the pandemic has made customers more comfortable with buying and returning items swiftly.

Opting for in-person exchanges can assist retail workers during this busy period.

“Each store does have its own policy as far as exchanges, layaways and things of that nature. When you’re returning or exchanging an item, it is encouraged that you leave the tags on and that the item has not been used or worn. We want items that are as close to the original condition. Most of the stores do offer exchanges as well, so if it’s just a different size or color that you’re needing, keep that in mind.

Brailer said exchanges are the best solution for managing holiday gift returns, as Colony Square has many options in place.