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Post-Holiday Returns, Resolution Shopping & Retention Playbook
We're in the thick of "Returnuary" — here's what you need to know about the returns surge, how to capitalize on resolution-driven shopping, and strategies to turn holiday buyers into loyal customers.
📦 The Returns Surge: What the Numbers Show
$850B
Merchandise Returns
Projected for 2025
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20-25%
Holiday Purchases
Get Returned
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+45%
Post-Christmas
Volume Spike
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Consumers are expected to return nearly $850 billion in merchandise in 2025, with 20–25% of holiday purchases heading back to sellers. Post-Christmas return volumes are spiking up to 45% higher than normal.
💡 Turn Returns Into Opportunities
37% of retailers are now offering extended return windows. Use this touchpoint to convert refunds into exchanges or store credits, keeping revenue in your ecosystem.
Read: NRF Returns Report →
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📊 Optimize Your Returns Process
Streamlined returns aren't just customer service — they're retention tools. A smooth process builds trust and can turn a potential loss into a future sale.
Read: Christmas Returns Surge Analysis →
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🎯 Resolution Shopping & Gift Card Season
January is prime time for resolution-driven purchases and gift card redemptions. Here's how to capture this demand:
🏃
Fitness & Wellness Boom
Health and self-improvement categories see major lifts in January. Position relevant products as "new year, new you" solutions.
Read: Resolution Marketing Guide →
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🎁
Gift Card Redemption Wave
A blizzard of new gift cards are hitting stores. This "hidden" spending power fuels Q1 sales well into the New Year.
Read: Post-Holiday Shopping Trends →
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📅
January is About Renewal
Customers are eager to share their goals. Run "New Year, New You" surveys to learn what they want this year and tailor your marketing.
Read: January Marketing Ideas →
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🔄 Q1 Retention: Turn Holiday Shoppers Into Loyal Customers
The post-holiday period likely brought many first-time buyers. Here's how to keep them:
📧 Personalized Follow-Ups
Send personalized thank-you emails with product recommendations. Segment by purchase history to make customers feel valued and remembered.
Read: Holiday to Repeat Customer Guide →
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🎁 Post-Holiday Incentives
Offer exclusive discounts or loyalty rewards for second purchases. Strategic incentives after the holidays create reasons to return.
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⭐ Loyalty Program Push
Convert one-time buyers into members. Offer bonus points, VIP perks, and engagement beyond transactional touchpoints.
Read: Strategic Loyalty Guide →
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📱 Social Media Engagement
Encourage customers to share their purchases. User-generated content and community engagement give them reasons to stay connected.
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📋 Q1 Operations: Inventory & Marketing Refresh
📊 Analyze Holiday Data
Identify which products exceeded expectations and which underperformed. Use insights to highlight best-sellers and plan for smoother operations going forward.
Read: Post-Holiday Strategies →
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🏷️ Hold a Post-Holiday Sale
Clear excess inventory, move large amounts of stock, and avoid carrying unnecessary inventory into the new year. Bundle slow-movers with best-sellers.
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📢 Refresh Paid Ads
Paid ads require updates post-holiday. Audit campaigns for a fresh start to the new year — retire holiday creatives, update messaging for Q1 goals.
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⚠️ AMAZON FBA FEE UPDATE
2026 FBA fulfillment fees have changed, with reductions on many standard and large bulky size products. Review your margins and adjust pricing strategies accordingly.
View Amazon FBA 2026 Fee Changes →
🎤 NRF 2026 Highlights: What We're Watching
NRF Retail's Big Show is happening NOW (Jan 11-14). Here are key themes emerging from the event:
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AI Takes Center Stage
AI is dominating the conversation — from computer vision and voice analytics to predictive inventory. Amazon's portable Just Walk Out technology lets shoppers skip traditional checkout entirely.
Read: NRF Takeaways →
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Retail Media & Brand Collaboration
Retailers are expanding retail media networks and finding new ways to collaborate with CPG brands. Expect more partnership opportunities in 2026.
Read: PwC NRF Insights →
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💻 Shopify Winter 2025 Edition: Key Updates
Shopify has rolled out major feature updates. Here's what merchants need to know:
🤖 AI-Powered Sidekick
Sidekick now understands context better and can build custom solutions. Proactive assistance helps merchants work smarter.
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✅ Improved Checkout
The checkout process has been enhanced with better UX and conversion optimization features.
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🗓️ Upcoming Events & Key Dates
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Martin Luther King Jr. Day
📍 Federal Holiday — plan campaigns around community & service themes
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Super Bowl LX
🏈 Major shopping event — snacks, TVs, party supplies surge
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Valentine's Day
💕 Start campaigns NOW — jewelry, flowers, experiences peak
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🛠️ Free Tool
Find Your Perfect eCommerce Platform
Planning a platform migration or tech stack audit? Compare Shopify, BigCommerce, WooCommerce, and more based on your specific needs.
Try the Platform Calculator →
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📚 Featured Reads
Dive deeper with these guides from our archive:
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Turn Returns Into Revenue & Browsers Into Buyers 💪
Q1 is your opportunity to capitalize on holiday momentum. Focus on retention, streamline operations, and set the tone for 2026.
Explore More Insights →
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