Retailers Add Fees, Shifting Costs to Consumers
Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba
Retailers including Zara and Steimatzky are introducing new fees for services like delivery and order pickup, increasing the overall cost for consumers. Zara now charges for online delivery and returns, while Steimatzky will implement a pickup fee in 2026. Loyalty program terms are also changing, with Castro updating its customer benefits. These added costs, common internationally, require consumers to carefully assess the total price before purchasing.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Zara and other retailers are adding fees for delivery, returns, and pickups.
- Zara now charges 14.90 shekels for all online deliveries.
- Steimatzky will charge 4 shekels for in-store pickups starting January 2026.
- Castro is changing its customer loyalty program terms effective December 1, 2026.
- International retailers like H&M also charge for mail-in returns.
Several retailers are implementing new fees and charges, effectively increasing the total cost for consumers beyond the listed price of goods. Zara, for instance, now charges 14.90 shekels for delivery on all online orders, regardless of the purchase amount, a change from previous policies offering free shipping above a certain threshold. Returning items via courier also incurs a fee, and while in-store pickup remains free, this adds another layer of potential cost for online shoppers. Zara Home has similar delivery charges, with standard delivery costing 49.90 shekels and larger items or furniture costing up to 75 shekels.
This trend extends beyond Zara. Bookstore chain Steimatzky will begin charging 4 shekels for in-store order pickups starting in January 2026, though this fee is waived for purchases over 249 shekels. These incremental charges, while seemingly small individually, can significantly increase the overall expense of a purchase when accumulated. Consumers are advised to scrutinize the "fine print" for these additional costs.
Loyalty programs are also undergoing changes that may affect consumers. Castro announced modifications to its customer loyalty program, effective December 1, 2026, which will alter how points are accumulated and redeemed. Customers are encouraged to review these updated terms to understand the impact on their benefits.
Internationally, fashion retailers like H&M in the UK are also charging for mail-in returns, though in-store returns are still free. These practices highlight a broader shift where services previously considered standard are now becoming paid add-ons, making price comparisons more complex for shoppers. Consumers are urged to calculate the total cost, including shipping and return fees, before making purchases.