The boom of online retail has sprouted a trend of try-before-you-buy (TBYB) options for customers, especially in apparel. But this new option is threatening to overwhelm retailers’ profits.
According to a new report from Brightpearl, which reflects opinions of both U.S. and U.K. shoppers, TBYB has an impact on purchase behavior and returns.
The study reveals that one-quarter of global retailers will adopt TBYB by 2019, but many are not prepared for the fact that it could quadruple the costs for U.S. retailers.