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Millions of dollars in merchandise is returned to wireless retailers each year, most of which can’t go back on the shelf due to diminished item condition, damaged packaging or product obsolescence. No matter the reason, that’s a significant amount of idle inventory taking up backroom space and subsequently costing money. Today’s retailing environment is intensely competitive and a few points of margin can mean the difference between winning and losing; this heightens the importance of maximizing efficiency and return across all areas of the supply chain.
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…