Episode 184: Not-So-Free Returns with Emily Austin

Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCarty

Nearly 1 out of 4 of the new garments we purchase end up being returned to the brand/retailer. While retail companies tend to keep the true data about returns under wraps, industry experts estimate that half of returned clothing is never worn by another person, ending up in the landfill instead. So yeah, returns are a pretty big deal across the entire retail industry (even outside of clothing). Amanda is joined by Emily Austin, who has a lot of experience in the world of returns, customer care, and the intersection of technology and returns. What is the true cost of returns?

In this episode we get into the following:

• Why processing returns (also known as "reverse logistics") is very expensive
• How finding a fix for returns has become an entire industry
• Why retailers are changing their return policies
• The environmental and social impact of so many returns
• How the high volume of returns is both the result and cause of declining clothing quality. And yes, it is very ironic that retailers could reduce the number of returns by improving quality!
• Ways we can try to reduce our own number of returns...(yes, it's difficult)

This episode also includes small business audio essays from Ren and Ruby.

Follow and connect with everyone:
Emily: @emaustin11 and @acommonrose (her vintage shop)
Ren: @renb.designs and renbdesigns.com
Ruby: @spokesandstitches Check out her workshops here.

Additional reading:
"Revolve Execs Outline Plans to Slash 60% Return Rate," Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal.
"The True Cost of Apparel Returns: Alarming Return Rates Require Loss-Minimization Solutions," Sunny Zheng, Coresight Research.
"Forget Black Friday, it’s time to plan for 'Returns Thursday,'" Alex Timlin, IMRG Blog.
Download the National Retail Federation's "2022 Consumer Returns in the Retail Industry" here.
"Your Brand New Returns End Up in Landfill," Harriet Constable, BBC Earth.

If you want to share your opinion/additional thoughts on the subjects we cover in each episode, feel free to email, whether it’s a typed out message or an audio recording: [e-mail]
Or call the Clotheshorse hotline: [phone]

Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

​High Energy Vintage is a fun and funky vintage shop located in Somerville, MA, just a few minutes away from downtown Boston. They offer a highly curated selection of bright and colorful clothing and accessories from the 1940s-1990s for people of all genders. Husband-and-wife duo Wiley & Jessamy handpick each piece for quality and style, with a focus on pieces that transcend trends and will find a home in your closet for many years to come! In addition to clothing, the shop also features a large selection of vintage vinyl and old school video games. Find them on instagram @ highenergyvintage, online at highenergyvintage.com, and at markets in and around Boston.

The Pewter Thimble Is there a little bit of Italy in your soul? Are you an enthusiast of pre-loved decor and accessories? Bring vintage Italian style — and history — into your space with The Pewter Thimble (@thepewterthimble). We source useful and beautiful things, and mend them where needed. We also find gorgeous illustrations, and make them print-worthy. Tarot cards, tea towels and handpicked treasures, available to you from the comfort of your own home. Responsibly sourced from across Rome, lovingly renewed by fairly paid artists and artisans, with something for every budget. Discover more at thepewterthimble.com

St. Evens is an NYC-based vintage shop that is dedicated to bringing you those special pieces you’ll reach for again and again. More than just a store, St. Evens is dedicated to sharing the stories and history behind the garments. 10% of all sales are donated to a different charitable organization each month. New vintage is released every Thursday at wearStEvens.com, with previews of new pieces and more brought to you on Instagram at @wear_st.evens.

Deco Denim is a startup based out of San Francisco, selling clothing and accessories that are sustainable, gender fluid, size inclusive and high quality--made to last for years to come. Deco Denim is trying to change the way you think about buying clothes. Founder Sarah Mattes wants to empower people to ask important questions like, “Where was this made? Was this garment made ethically? Is this fabric made of plastic? Can this garment be upcycled and if not, can it be recycled?” Signup at decodenim.com to receive $20 off your first purchase. They promise not to spam you and send out no more than 3 emails a month, with 2 of them surrounding education or a personal note from the Founder. Find them on Instagram as @deco.denim.

Gabriela Antonas is a visual artist, an upcycler, and a fashion designer, but Gabriela Antonas is also a feminist micro business with radical ideals. She’s the one woman band, trying to help you understand, why slow fashion is what the earth needs. If you find your self in New Orleans, LA, you may buy her ready-to-wear upcycled garments in person at the store “Slow Down” (2855 Magazine St). Slow Down Nola only sells vintage and slow fashion from local designers. Gabriela’s garments are guaranteed to be in stock in person, but they also have a website so you may support this women owned and run business from wherever you are! If you are interested in Gabriela making a one of a kind garment for you DM her on Instagram at @slowfashiongabriela to book a consultation.

Vagabond Vintage DTLV is a vintage clothing, accessories & decor reselling business based in Downtown Las Vegas. Not only do we sell in Las Vegas, but we are also located throughout resale markets in San Francisco as well as at a curated boutique called Lux and Ivy located in Indianapolis, Indiana. Jessica, the founder & owner of Vagabond Vintage DTLV, recently opened the first IRL location located in the Arts District of...