Business · Economy · 9 hrs ago
Online shopping returns in Germany are expected to reach a record 560 million
Germany is expected to see 560 million online shopping returns in 2026, up from 542 million in 2025.
That is nearly one in four parcels ordered online, according to a researcher at the University of Bamberg.
The return rate has stayed about the same, but more online orders are increasing the total number of returns.
About 90 percent of returned items are clothing.
The researcher says shopping apps may encourage quick purchases and could push returns higher.
Parcel shops and delivery companies are handling more packages, and a kiosk owner in Mainz says he sends back 200 to 300 parcels each week.
Delivery firms need extra staff during busy holidays, with one DHL manager saying he hires about 20 percent more people then.
The 2026 figure is an estimate; final data is not yet available.
Online shopping returns in Germany are forecast to reach a record 560 million parcels in 2026.
The estimate comes from the Returns Management research group at the University of Bamberg.
The group says nearly one in four parcels sent through online retail is returned, equal to 24.1 percent of orders.
It counted 542 million returns in 2025.
The article says rising online purchases are driving the increase, while environmentalists have criticised the trend.
- Who
- The Returns Management research group at the University of Bamberg made the estimate.
- What
- Online shopping returns in Germany are forecast to reach 560 million parcels, a record.
- When
- In 2026.
- Where
- Germany.
- Why
- More items are being bought online, increasing the number of returns.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The research group recorded 542 million returns.
Tagesschau reported the forecast that returns would reach 560 million parcels in 2026.
- 2026 forecast
- 560 million returns
- 2025 returns
- 542 million
- Share of online orders returned
- 24.1 percent
- Estimated share of returned items that are fashion
- Around 90 percent
- Forecast parcel shipments
- 4.48 billion shipments, according to BPEX
What people are saying
That is more than ever before.
When you are using an app, you press the order button much faster because, unlike perhaps on the web, you skip comparisons with other offers from other retailers.
People order a lot over the internet, and of course they also send a lot back.
The fact is, our parcel couriers have significantly more to do.