RLA Conference to Tackle $890B Consumer Returns Challenge
The Reverse Logistics Association (RLA) annual conference in Las Vegas is set to explore the growing challenge and opportunities in reverse logistics. With consumer returns projected to reach $890 billion in 2024, representing 16.9% of annual sales, the event will bring together executives from leading retailers like Nordstrom, Amazon, eBay, The Home Depot, and Walmart to discuss solutions.
The conference will delve into the rising costs of retail returns, including processing, logistics, and inventory management, which are ultimately passed onto consumers. Attendees will explore technologies and solutions to address these challenges, as well as the impact of regulations like the California Responsible Textile Recovery Act.
Following the conference, a meeting will focus on scaling circular retail solutions and addressing extended producer responsibility laws. The National Retail Federation, which acquired RLA in 2023 to improve consumer value, efficiencies, and environmental benefits, will play a key role in these discussions.
With online purchase return rates 21% higher than overall return rates, driven by the growth of online shopping, the need for efficient reverse logistics has never been greater. The RLA conference and subsequent meeting aim to bring the industry together to tackle these issues and ensure unwanted products are recovered efficiently and responsibly redirected.
