Between buyer’s remorse, relaxed return policies and the substantial increase in online purchases (which come with an average return rate of 12%-15%), 3.5 billion items are returned to retailers each year. This adds up to around $260 billion of merchandise.

A large portion of this merchandise can’t go back on store or virtual shelves – due to diminished item condition, damaged packaging or product obsolescence – and is slated for liquidation. Luckily the ‘L word’ (in this case) doesn’t have to be a term of frustration or thought of as a lost cause; in fact there is huge opportunity to recoup value for this inventory simply by applying technology and sound strategy.

Read Full Article >>

More from the B-Stock Blog

The B-Stock Mobile Insider: Q1, 2026
The B-Stock Mobile Insider: Q1, 2026

Some of the world’s largest wireless OEMs, carriers, and trade-in companies leverage B-Stock’s B2B marketplace to maximize their profits on trade-in mobile devices and accessories. Get insight into secondary market trends to fetch the highest prices for your devices.

Apr 09 2026 · 1 min read

Recommerce and Sustainability: How B-Stock Is Closing the Loop
Recommerce and Sustainability: How B-Stock Is Closing the Loop

Every April, Earth Month serves as a reminder that sustainability isn’t a trend: it’s an imperative. For retailers and brands managing the constant flow of returned, excess, and pre-owned inventory, the question is no longer whether to embrace sustainable practices,…

Apr 02 2026 · 3 min read

Stop Managing the Excess Inventory Backlog. Start Clearing It.
Stop Managing the Excess Inventory Backlog. Start Clearing It.

The numbers are hard to ignore. According to the National Retail Federation, retailers expect ~16% of annual sales to be returned, roughly $850 billion in merchandise. According to McKinsey & Company, it’s forced retailers to spend an estimated $200 billion…

Mar 24 2026 · 4 min read

Like what you see?

Subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest news from B-Stock.