With returns such a huge piece of the ecommerce experience, FedEx is making it easier by adding return services at thousands of Walgreens stores nationwide next month as it expands the partnership program there.
Ecommerce customers of FedEx using its returns technology platform can send customers a return code via email, which they in turn can take to a Walgreens store where a return label can be printed out. This eliminates the print-at-home pain point for customers, as well as the need for sellers to include a prepaid return label in order shipments.
“With the volume of ecommerce returns growing rapidly, it’s essential that retailers have an easy returns process that meets the expectations of today’s shoppers and carefully minds the growing costs,” said Ryan P. Kelly, vice president of global ecommerce marketing for FedEx Services in a release. “Shoppers prefer to take their online returns to a physical location, so by expanding FedEx Returns Technology to our broader convenience network with Walgreens, we’re enabling merchants and e-tailers to offer more locations for their customers to bring their returns.”
Walgreens stores are part of FedEx’s network of more than 14,000 retail locations for package pickup and drop off, including its own 1,900 FedEx Office stores. The two companies partnered up in January 2017.
FedEx’s returns technology, launched in 2018, allows returned items to be dropped off, inspected, packed and in some cases processed for a faster credit refund.
“Our service offering with FedEx has been very well received by our customers, and implementing this latest technology in our stores will deliver even greater convenience to meet the needs of today’s customer,” said Richard Ashworth, president of operations for Walgreens in the release. “This is especially meaningful heading into the holiday season as more customers shop for gifts online and we’re able to offer safe, secure package pickup and drop off services.”