Wave of returns amid high cost of living gives online retailers a headache 

The problem has meant mountains of goods left to rot in landfill, with only 75% of returned products being resold.

Asos also partly blamed returns for lowering guidance and last month the retailer said the trend isn’t winding down. Photographer: Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg

Cautious shoppers have kicked off the year with a flurry of returned goods, spelling a headache for retailers and highlighting how squeezed consumers have become by the higher cost of living.

Returns rose 20% in January at ReBound, a firm which handles returns for retailers, as shoppers worldwide become more selective due to tighter budgets. The company’s clients include footwear brand Crocs and outerwear label Helly Hansen.