Returns, including from the holiday shopping season, are expected to cost retailers billions of dollars again in 2024.picture alliance/dpa/picture alliance via Getty ImagesThis is the busiest time of year for returning holiday gifts.Retailers from Amazon to L.L. Bean have adopted a range of return policies.Most shoppers consider whether they can make free returns when deciding where to shop.That unwanted kitchen gadget or too-big sweater someone gave you over the holidays represents a growing problem for retailers.With the holiday shopping season over, retailers now face return requests from customers at the fastest pace of the year.