Retailers Add Fees, Passing Costs to Consumers in Israel
Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba
Several Israeli retailers, including Zara and Steimatzky, are now charging consumers for services like home delivery and in-store pickup that were previously free. Zara charges 14.90 shekels for online delivery and for returns via courier, while Steimatzky introduced a 4-shekel fee for in-store pickup starting in January 2026. These added costs, along with changes to loyalty programs like Castro's, are increasing the overall expense of shopping and making price comparisons more difficult for consumers.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Zara and Steimatzky are among Israeli retailers adding fees for delivery and order pickup.
- Zara charges 14.90 shekels for online delivery and courier returns.
- Steimatzky introduced a 4-shekel fee for in-store pickup starting January 2026.
- Castro is changing its loyalty program terms effective December 1, 2026.
- These accumulating fees increase the total cost of shopping for consumers.
Consumers in Israel are facing increasing costs beyond the price tags of products, as retailers introduce new fees for services previously offered for free. Zara, a prominent example, now charges 14.90 shekels for home delivery on all online orders, regardless of purchase amount, and also charges for returns via courier. While in-store pickup remains free at Zara, its home goods division, Zara Home, charges 49.90 shekels for standard delivery, potentially rising to 75 shekels for larger items.
This trend is not limited to fashion. Bookstore chain Steimatzky began charging a 4-shekel fee for in-store order pickup in January 2026, though this is waived for purchases over 249 shekels. These accumulating charges, even if individually small, significantly increase the overall cost of shopping, forcing consumers to scrutinize the fine print.
Customer loyalty programs are also seeing changes. Castro announced modifications to its loyalty club terms, effective December 1, 2026, affecting how points are accumulated and redeemed. International retailers like H&M in the UK also charge for mail-in returns, though in-store returns are free, highlighting a global shift in service costs.
The cumulative effect of these new fees for shipping, returns, and pickups makes price comparisons more complex and erodes the value of previously standard shopping conveniences. Consumers are advised to calculate the total cost, including all potential charges, before making online purchases.
