2024 Holiday Returns: Managing the Post-Sales Surge

Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2024 have shattered records yet again. By the end of Black Friday, $10.2 billion was spent online (a 16% increase), while Cyber Monday sales surged to $11.5 billion, making it the biggest online shopping day in U.S. history. Total holiday sales are expected to reach $820 billion, with $150 billion sold online.

However, with increased sales comes an onslaught of returns: the National Retail Federation (NRF) reports that 12-15% of holiday purchases are returned, equating to $100 billion in merchandise. Retailers must brace for the surge in returns post-Christmas, especially with 20% of all returns occurring during this time. Failure to prepare could lead to supply chain disruptions, warehouse congestion, and skyrocketing processing costs.

Upcoming Holiday Dates and Return Surge

With Thanksgiving on November 28, 2024, followed by Black Friday (November 29) and Cyber Monday (December 2), the post-holiday return surge will begin immediately after Christmas (December 25, 2024) and extend into New Year’s (January 2025). Returns are expected to peak in early January as gift recipients send back unwanted items, challenging retailers to manage logistics effectively.

Reverse Logistics: A Growing Necessity

Reverse logistics—handling returns efficiently—is critical. The cost of processing an online return is still about twice the cost of selling the item. This creates a sense of urgency for retailers and manufacturers to alleviate themselves of returns, save precious warehouse space, and make space for new inventory. And as shoppers have become accustomed to quick and easy returns, it’s an ongoing challenge for retailers to keep up.

How Resellers Can Take Advantage of the Post-Holiday Return Surge

For resellers and recommerce professionals, the post-holiday return surge presents a unique opportunity to acquire a variety of high-demand items at significantly reduced costs. With an influx of returned merchandise, from electronics to apparel, resellers can purchase inventory through B2B recommerce platforms like B-Stock at competitive prices. This influx allows them to meet consumer demand for discounted goods while maximizing profit margins. Additionally, by tapping into these marketplaces, resale businesses can benefit from consistent access to top-tier inventory throughout the peak return season.

Addressing the Challenge with Modern Solutions

Traditional liquidation methods aren’t sufficient for handling today’s scale of returns. That’s why the world’s top brands and manufacturers like Amazon, Target, Walmart, Best Buy, Samsung, and more work with B-Stock! We help bring these post-holiday returns and other liquidated goods into the secondary market.

Qualified buyers can access inventory via auctions and other unique buying opportunities like contract agreements and direct sales. This model helps alleviate supply chain bottlenecks and keeps thousands of returned goods in use.

Buying Holiday Returns on B-Stock

In the weeks following the holidays, B-Stock sees a significant spike in returned merchandise listings. Historically, 60% more inventory is posted during Q1 (January-March) compared to Q4 (October-December), with popular categories including women’s trendy apparel, specialty kitchen items, tools, seasonal products, and toys.

Post-holiday returns are like a reseller’s Super Bowl. And preparing for the post-sales surge is essential! As retailers clear out their warehouses, now is the best time to stock up on goods that are in great condition–think new with tags and in original packaging! What are you waiting for? Start browsing listings today!