Planet Money
The Rest of the Story, 2024
Dec 27, 2024
Dive into the intriguing world of holiday returns and changing retail policies! Discover the surprising shifts in REI’s return policy and its impact on loyal customers. Explore updates on student loan forgiveness plans and the challenges borrowers face. Get a glimpse into Argentina's economic struggles post-election, including inflation and currency woes. Lastly, learn about Sweden's remarkable parental benefits for families with multiples, highlighting the support available in today’s growing fertility landscape.
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Quick takeaways
- Retailers like REI are tightening return policies due to rising costs, creating tension between customer satisfaction and business sustainability.
- The introduction of the SAVE plan for student loan repayment faces legal challenges, leaving millions of borrowers in financial uncertainty despite initial benefits.
Deep dives
Changes to REI's Return Policy
REI has tightened its return policy, impacting some customers who frequently returned items. Lindsay Powell, a long-time member, discovered her returns would no longer be accepted after receiving an email stating her return rate was nearly 80%. This policy change reflects a broader trend among retailers reassessing their return strategies in response to rising costs. The shift highlights a tension between customer satisfaction and company sustainability, as some members feel the sting of limits on a once-generous policy.
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