© 2025 Iowa Public Radio
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Retailers are cracking down on customers deemed serial returners

Ways To Subscribe
River to River, hosted by Ben Kieffer

L.L. Bean faced severe backlash after reversing their long-revered lifetime return policy, now giving customers a year to make returns. This inspired a recent study co-authored by Iowa State Assistant Professor Robert Overstreet.

Overstreet joined River to River host Ben Kieffer to discuss their findings and guidance for companies trying to balance goodwill with customers while cracking down on "serial returners" hurting their bottom lines.

Later, Iowa Capital Dispatch senior reporter Jared Strong talks about his reporting on a major manufacturer's commitment to purchasing a new water source for an eastern Iowa town after more than 40 years of emitting
forever chemicals. Also, Nevada Fire Department Assistant Chief Fred Malven shares fire safety tips following recent deadly fires in Iowa.

Guests:

  • Robert Overstreet, assistant professor of supply chain management, Iowa State University
  • Jared Strong, reporter, Iowa Capital Dispatch
  • Fred Malven, assistant chief, Nevada Fire Department
Ben Kieffer is the host of IPR's River to River
Dani Gehr is a talk show producer for Iowa Public Radio. She holds a bachelor's degree from Iowa State University. Since 2022, Gehr has worked with IPR's talk team to bring news and features to IPR's listening audience.
Samantha McIntosh is a talk show producer for Iowa Public Radio. She holds a bachelor's degree from St. Cloud State University. Since 2022, McIntosh has worked with IPR's talk team to bring news and features to IPR's listening audience.