As retailers prepare for peak season, SVT Supply Chain Solutions (SVT) is urging them to integrate reverse logistics into their planning, warning that ignoring returns can lead to significant financial losses and customer churn. The company highlights that U.S. retailers processed over $890 billion in merchandise returns in a recent year, with much of that value unrecovered due to inadequate processes.
Returns surge immediately after peak outbound periods, such as back-to-school, Black Friday, and the holiday season. January is historically one of the heaviest months for returns, when gifts and unwanted items flood back. Lauren Steil, Director of Business Development at SVT, notes that businesses struggling after peak season often lack a solid returns plan, leading to lost resale value, warehouse gridlock, and strained customer relations.
The financial impact is compounded when returned inventory sits unprocessed, losing value daily. Products that could be refurbished become write-offs, and B2B operators face disputed credits and incomplete documentation. A positive returns experience is also a key predictor of repeat purchases, making customer satisfaction during peak season critical.
Successful businesses build and stress-test reverse logistics infrastructure months in advance, establishing intake procedures, disposition logic, and staffing plans aligned with projected return curves. However, many lack the internal resources to develop these capabilities quickly. A third-party logistics partner like SVT can provide immediate access to proven workflows and technology, helping retailers recover margin and retain customers without a post-season backlog.
For more on reverse logistics programs, visit www.svtsupplychain.com.
