FedEx turns stores into online return centers

FedEx Corp. is partnering with the Happy Returns online returns platform.

Starting in Los Angeles and expanding nationwide by the end of October, more than 2,000 FedEx Office locations will offer the Happy Returns in-person returns service. Online shoppers from Happy Returns’ list of retail partners will now be able to return products in person, without a box or label, for an immediate refund or exchange.

Shoppers start returns on the retailers’ websites or at HappyReturns.com and receive a QR code. They then bring the items only, no box or receipt required, with the QR code to a participating FedEx Office store to complete the return. According to Happy Returns, a typical return takes less than a minute, returns are approved in real time, and the service initiates refunds and exchanges immediately in most cases. 

Using Happy Returns’ technology, FedEx will then aggregate box-free items from multiple merchants into a single shipment, in an effort to reduce the cost of the process for participating retailers. As with returns from other Happy Returns locations, the aggregated shipments from FedEx Office locations will be sent to one of Happy Returns’ two regional processing hubs, which use proprietary software to accept, sort, and process co-mingled returns.

By adding FedEx Office to its Return Bar network, Happy Returns will quadruple the number of locations. The more than 2,000 company-owned FedEx stores join over 500 existing Return Bars in Happy Returns’ network located in traditional retailers, shopping malls, campus bookstores, and office buildings.

“We are very excited to work with Happy Returns as we make the returns experience more convenient for shoppers while also streamlining the process for merchants,” said Ryan Kelly, VP of global e-commerce marketing, FedEx. “The packing experts at FedEx Office are ready to help customers, no box or label needed.”

“We are thrilled to grow with FedEx Office to bring in-person returns to more online shoppers,” said David Sobie, co-Founder and CEO of Happy Returns. “In a time of retail uncertainty due to the coronavirus, it is incredibly valuable to add an essential services provider like FedEx Office to our growing network.”