Holiday return rates have dramatically risen since the pre-pandemic area. Close to one-in-five (17%) holiday purchases will be returned, and total returns for purchases made during the 2025 holiday season are expected to amount to approximately $160 billion. New analysis emailed to Chain Store Age from business-to-business resale platform B-Stock also indicates there will be a slightly higher return rate of 19% for online holiday purchases, totaling roughly $50 to $60 billion dollars. B-Stock data further reveals that holiday return rates have more than doubled since 2019, which was the last holiday season before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Other findings include that the return percentage for online holiday apparel purchases is closer to 30%, and that processing a return can cost a retailer around 30% of the item’s original price, or higher for low-cost products.

The Association of American Publishers (AAP) released its StatShot report for June 2025 reflecting reported revenue for Trade (Consumer Books), Religious Presses, Higher Education Course Materials, and Professional Publishing. Total revenues across all categories for June 2025 were down 1.3% as compared to June 2024, coming in at $1.1 billion. Year-to-date revenues were down 1.7%, at $6.3 billion for the first six months of the year. Year-to-date Trade revenues were down 2.8% at $4.3 billion for the first six months of the year. Hardback revenues were up 0.7%, coming in at $1.5 billion; Paperbacks were down 8.1%, with $1.5 billion in revenue; Mass Market was down 29.8% to $42.0 million; and Special Bindings were down 1.5%, with $89.9 million in revenue.

Each holiday season is a delight. There’s the joy of sending gifts, the exhilaration of receiving one, and the excitement of connecting with family and friends. Every year, the U.S. Postal Service makes that a reality, serving a critical role in keeping traditions and connections alive. This year that role feels even more meaningful as we celebrate our 250th anniversary with a holiday marketing campaign we call Delivering Since 1775. For 250 years, peace of mind has been at the heart of USPS, especially during the busy holiday season. Whether it’s a handwritten card, a long-awaited package or a last-minute gift, our role has always been to deliver more than mail. We deliver reassurance, connection and trust.