National Return Day

A friendly person holding a shopping bag, wearing a smile, ready to return unwanted items, surrounded by bustling city streets and fashionably dressed individuals.. — National return day illustration

Hey there, return enthusiasts! Get ready to learn all about National Return Day, a day dedicated to the art of giving things back. From unwanted gifts to ill-fitting clothes, this is the perfect occasion to show your return policy prowess. So, grab your receipts and let's dive into the world of returns!

When is Return Day?

It's national return day on the 26th December.

The Origins of National Return Day

While National Return Day might not have a long-standing history like some other national days, it has become increasingly popular over the years. It all started with a simple idea: to recognize the significant number of returns made after the holiday season. With the rise of online shopping, returning items has become as common as clicking 'add to cart.'

In 2015, there was a staggering 153 online mentions of National Return Day, with the highest number of mentions occurring on December 26th. It seems like people couldn't wait to hit the return counters!

Why Do We Celebrate National Return Day?

National Return Day serves as a reminder that returns are an essential part of the consumer experience. It encourages retailers and shoppers alike to have fair and flexible return policies. It's a day to celebrate the power of a good return policy.

Tags: loved ones, finance

History behind the term 'Return'

13th century

Medieval Roots

The term 'return' has its roots in the 13th century, derived from the Middle English word 'returnen' which meant to come back or go back. During this time, the concept of returning referred to physically going back to a previous location or state.

16th century

Financial Connotation

In the 16th century, the term 'return' began to gain a financial connotation. It started to be used in relation to the act of receiving or obtaining a profit or gain. This financial aspect of the term hinted at the idea of getting something back in return for an investment or effort.

18th century

Legal Usage

By the 18th century, the term 'return' found its way into legal terminology. It became associated with the act of submitting an official report or document. For example, legal proceedings would often require the filing of a 'return' which documented the actions and findings in a case.

19th century

Postal Services

In the 19th century, with the rise of efficient postal services, the term 'return' took on a new meaning. It referred to the action of sending an item or letter back to its original sender due to various reasons like incorrect address, refusal, or undeliverability. This usage highlighted the idea of returning something back to its point of origin.

20th century

Computing Revolution

During the 20th century, the term 'return' became prevalent in computing and programming. It is an essential concept in computer programming languages, representing the action of transferring control to the point in the code from where a subroutine or function was called. This concept of 'return' is still widely used in modern programming languages today.

Did you know?

Did you know that the most returned items after the holidays are clothing, electronics, and home goods? It seems like some gifts just miss the mark, no matter how well-intentioned!