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In 2014, consumers returned a record $284 billion worth of merchandise to retailers. This number is increasing largely due to the increase in online sales (which typically bring a higher return rate) and relaxed return policies to drive customer loyalty. Lack of innovation over the past 50 years for dealing with consumer-returned and excess inventory is costing retailers billions of dollars, and can no longer be approached as an afterthought or left to inefficient traditional liquidation methods. This is especially true in today’s climate when every point of operating margin matters so much. By implementing an efficient solution for returned and excess merchandise slated for liquidation, a company can meaningfully impact its overall operating margin.
For finance leaders at large retailers and brands, excess and returned inventory can pose a significant drag on working capital and margin performance. With returns projected to cost U.S. retailers $850 billion annually—roughly 17% of total sales—and processing costs ranging…
San Mateo, CA and Chicago, IL, Feb. 11, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — New data from both Circana and B-Stock reveals the age of smartphones traded-in reached an all-time high during the 2025 upgrade cycle, with most devices being three generations…