What: France's post office is testing the concept of offering changing rooms in some branches to aid online shoppers in promptly returning ill-fitting purchases.

Why it is important: La Poste anticipates that this approach will increase foot traffic and bolster its parcel business, compensating for declining letter traffic. However, this move has met with resistance from small independent retailers, with concerns raised about the potential negative impact on local economies if this practice is expanded nationally

The changing room resembles a French mailbox, equipped with a chair, mirror, and shelf for instant returns. The initiative aims to simplify the process for customers, allowing them to receive, inspect, and return items in one visit, reducing unnecessary trips and saving time. This experiment is a response to the surge in online shopping and the subsequent increase in product returns.

French post office opens changing rooms for online shoppers