Stay ahead of the curve and secure future growth for your business with Mintel’s Online Shopping: Fulfillment and Returns Market Report. The report provides a data-led understanding of the current online order fulfillment market market and opportunities within the industry for brands in the US.
Topics Analyzed
- Macroeconomic factors impacting ecommerce, fulfillment and returns.
- Items purchased online, and fulfillment options used.
- Items returned and main reasons for doing so.
- Return methods used.
- Important factors when shopping online.
- Attitudes toward fulfilment and returns.
US Online Order Fulfillment Market Overview
The fulfillment and returns space is undergoing significant transformation as retailers strive for logistical efficiencies to meet and exceed consumer expectations. An example of such, is the increased availability of next-day and same-day deliveries through paid membership programs, which has raised the bar for speed, providing a competitive edge.
While the evolving fulfillment and returns landscape offers substantial opportunities to drive consumer acquisition, satisfaction and loyalty, it also presents risks that require strategic agility and effective cost management. That’s the case of returns, which are common and, in some cases, inevitable when consumers shop online.
Opportunity for brands
Brands and retailers that leverage technology, and manage costs to navigate economic fluctuations while maintaining high standards of customer service and operational efficiency will lead the way in the modern retail environment.
Buy your copy of this report today and gain fresh insights into the online order fulfillment market.
Report Scope
For the purposes of this Report, this research focuses on ecommerce fulfillment and return policies within the United States, examining current trends and practices in these areas, including but not limited to standard, expedited shipping, and return windows. It does not cover international markets, but rather provides a holistic overview of the broader landscape of online shopping within the U.S.
This Report builds off analysis in Mintel’s Shipping, Delivery and Pickup – US, 2023 and Impacting eCommerce: Shipping & Delivery: Incl Impact of COVID-19 – US, September 2020.
Meet the Expert
Marisa joined Mintel in 2021 with a background in the beauty industry. She is an analytical and curious individual, who enjoys constant learning and finding the answer to the “why”. She applies this knowledge to create insightful reports focused on retail and ecommerce that provide a complete picture of a market and find new opportunities.
Logistics are increasingly important in the modern consumer journey. Companies must remain agile while balancing costs and meeting consumer expectations.

Marisa Ortega
Analyst, Retail & eCommerce