Returns are a $816 billion headache for retailers. And now they're a costly pain for shoppers, too

• Some retailers have added fees for returning items over the past year.
• The fees generally apply to returns made through the mail, with in-store returns remaining free.
• Retailers took back $816 billion in returns in 2022, or 16.5% of merchandise purchased during the year.

Returning that Christmas gift you don't like might involve extra steps or costs this year compared to the past.