UK fashion retailer signs up to Doddle’s innovative click and commute model
River Island has partnered with Doddle, the network of purple parcel stores, to offer free returns for online customers, with click and collect through Doddle launching later in the year.
The partnership will allow River Island shoppers to return their online purchases quickly and free of charge through Doddle stores, which are conveniently located in and around major train stations and high-footfall areas across the UK.
Doddle, which launched in September 2014, is the UK’s first dedicated and staffed service for collecting, returning and sending parcels. It aims to revolutionise the retail supply chain in the UK by making sure no consumer ever misses a parcel delivery again.
River Island joins Doddle’s growing list of retail partners including Amazon, Asos, Warehouse, Hawes & Curtis, Countrywide Farmers, Halfords and T.M. Lewin.
Commenting on the new partnership, Tim Robinson, Doddle CEO said: “An easy returns process is an absolute must for any online retailer today. Unacceptable shipping or returns policies are the main culprit for up to 70% of online transactions being abandoned before completion[1]. Putting customers first and giving them back time is why Doddle has been able to attract established brands such as River Island as retail partners and we look forward to making returns a Doddle for River Island customers.”
Sam Rodgers, River Island E-Commerce Director, also commented: “Continually enhancing our online proposition, from website journey to delivery, is crucial for us as a fashion retailer. We’ve already seen a proven demand from our customers for the click and collect model, and so are always looking for new ways to even further improve in this area – particularly with returns. By partnering with innovative solutions such as Doddle we can help to make an online purchase or return as quick, easy and cheap as possible for our customers.”
[1] “27 Cart Abandonment Rate Statistics,” Baymard Institute, 25 March 2014