Fast fashion meets faster returns.
Forever 21 has teamed with the fashion brand Shein to alleviate shoppers’ return headaches.
“The new partnership will enable customers to return Shein online orders to over 300 Forever 21 retail locations,” Shein’s May 1 statement read.
Before the change, if a customer wanted to return or exchange a product, they had to send it via mail within 35 days. Once the package was sent off, shoppers anxiously waited until the return was processed and kept their fingers crossed that they would get their money back.
Now, Shein has implemented the buy-online-return-in-store (BORIS) solution with the help of “Happy Returns,” a UPS shipping company, which “pioneered a seamless, simple returns model and we are excited to launch this offering across hundreds of Forever 21 stores,” Shein President George Chiao said.
To facilitate a smooth return, customers can download a QR code generated through Shein’s online portal, according to the return policy.
Once the code is produced, the shopper can bring the item — within 35 days of purchase — to Forever 21, where the store clerk will verify the returned product.
In addition to getting their money back or a Shein credit, shoppers are gifted a same-day discount on their next Forever 21 purchase.
“We are always looking for new ways to optimize the shopping experience for Shein customers – from speedier delivery to easy returns,” Chiao added.
Although Forever 21 has shut down more than 200 stores nationwide since 2019, the brand has found a way to make a comeback by teaming up with fast-fashion giant Shein.
The collaboration allows Shein products to be sold inside Forever 21 brick-and-mortar shops around the country, but the items you find will typically be returns from the Chinese brand’s online store.
However, not all returns are placed on the floor. Happy Returns decides which items should be kept in-store or shipped back to Shein — “whether that means keeping it in-store, moving it to a different store in the retailer’s network, or shipping returns to an e-commerce warehouse,” according to the statement.
Many fans of the online retailer shared their excitement over the new return policy on TikTok.
Kealani, who goes by @dopestforeal online, posted a video of her Shein return experience at Forever 21 and watchers were shocked by the news.
In the 12-second clip, she demonstrated how she handed the items inside the clear Shein reusable bag to the store clerk, who processed the return.
The video, which had more than 10 million views, had TikTokers in disbelief of all the losses — “L’s” — they’ve been taking by tossing their clothes out instead of mailing them for a refund.
“Really?!!!!! I’ve been either throwing it away or donating because I don’t wanna go through [the] hassle! What’s the time frame for returns? Bless you for this!!!” gushed a shopper.
“Thought I was tripping when I saw stuff from Shein on their racks,” added another. “It’s actually smart for f21 to generate foot traffic by doing this.”
“Damn I’ve just been taking the L,” wrote one disgruntled online shopper.
“Yes can confirm I was just there last week and Forever 21 even gave me a 30% off for the day,” commented another watcher.