Many retailers around the world introduce contactless delivery that keeps their online operations open

Report reveals COVID-19 impact on delivery and returns. Source: shutterstock.com

According to GlobalData, the retailers have adapted their delivery and return propositions to ensure customer and staff safety during the pandemic. This way, these changes will transform consumer expectations of online delivery and returns, the report says.

The data highlighted, China largely introduced its contactless delivery, setting the bar high for retailers and foodservice providers worldwide.

For instance, Alibaba and JD.com introduced contactless delivery of food and grocery. Besides, foodservice providers such as Meituan employing this method for takeaways, informing customers of both the chef and delivery driver’s temperature.

Although, when it comes to returns, many consumers are unable to return items if they are self-isolating, or if the shop they return items to has closed.

In response to this, retailers extend the returns periods to either a set number of days or a specified number of days after stores re-open.

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