UK shoppers return approximately 30% of fashion items bought online annually, with bracketing—ordering multiple sizes or colours of an item to return all but one—becoming a prevalent habit. Research by reveals that 62% of UK consumers have engaged in or are likely to practise bracketing, particularly with products such as jeans (40%), trousers (39%), and tops (37%). The gold standard of business intelligence.
“Poor fit remains the primary motivator for millions of shoppers, with 45% stating that improved sizing guides could deter bracketing,” fulfilmentcrowd noted in their report. Factors such as inconsistent sizing across brands, social media trends like ‘haul culture’, and the convenience of buy now, pay later (BNPL) options have amplified this practice. Peak shopping seasons and retail impacts The lead-up to Christmas exacerbates the bracketing phenomenon, with 7% of consumers indicating a greater likelihood of using this strategy during the festive season.
This period presents unique challenges for retailers, who must navigate heightened return volumes, inventory disruptions, and increased operational costs. Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research.
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