Supply Chain Now

The Buzz: How Reverse Logistics Is Reshaping Retail and Recommerce


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In this episode of The Buzz, we explore the future of reverse logistics, circularity, supply chain design, and the growing role of AI in transforming how businesses move, manage, and reuse products. Welcome to The Buzz, powered by OptiLogic!

Hosts Scott Luton and Richard Donaldson break down several major supply chain developments, including the rise of AI-first supply chain design, the growing need for visibility in big and bulky retail deliveries, and Amazon’s expanding supply chain services. Special guest Sender Shamiss, CEO and co-founder of ReturnPro, joins the conversation to unpack why reverse logistics is becoming a major strategic opportunity, not just a cost center. From returns management and recommerce to circularity, fraud detection, and the future of reusable materials, this episode offers a practical look at how supply chain leaders can unlock value, reduce waste, and rethink what happens after the sale.

Key Learnings & Takeaways

  • AI-first supply chain design is accelerating smarter, faster decision-making
  • Big and bulky retail delivery still needs better visibility and customer communication
  • Amazon’s supply chain services could reshape fulfillment, logistics, and recommerce
  • Reverse logistics is moving from a back-end function to a strategic growth engine
  • Reuse should come before recycling when building circular supply chains
  • Returns fraud is creating new challenges—and new technology opportunities
  • Circularity will require better data, smarter systems, and more investment

As supply chains become more complex, the biggest opportunities may come from rethinking what already exists: returned products, reused materials, smarter networks, and better visibility. This episode is a must-listen for leaders looking to turn reverse logistics from a challenge into a competitive advantage.

Additional Links & Resources:

  • Optilogic: https://optilogic.com/
  • Optilogic Webinar: Ahead of Disruption: https://bit.ly/AI-First-SupplyChainDesign
  • With That Said: https://bit.ly/WTS-9-May-2026
  • Why big and bulky delivery is the final frontier for retail supply chains: https://bit.ly/Big-And-Bulky-Innovation
  • Amazon opens logistics network to all businesses: https://bit.ly/Amazon-Launches-ASCS
  • Reverse Logistics: The Strategic Engine Driving the Secondary Mobile Device Market: https://bit.ly/Mobile-Device-Reverse-Logistics
  • Startup Pitches X-Rays and AI to Catch Fraudulent Returns: https://bit.ly/42wavRp
  • ReturnPro: https://www.returnpro.com/
  • Upcoming Live Programming: https://supplychainnow.com/upcoming-live-programming/
  • Supply Chain Now Resource Hub: https://supplychainnow.com/resource-hub/
  • Sender on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sender-shamiss-19796515/
  • Richard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richarddonaldson/
  • Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com
  • Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now
  • Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join
  • Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVk
  • WEBINAR- There's No Finish Line in Leadership: Tips to Optimize Your Strategy & Execution: https://bit.ly/4tHOWJA
  • WEBINAR- Delivering Flawless Field Service with Predictive Insights and AI: https://bit.ly/4sXVZfV
  • WEBINAR- From AI Pilots to Performance: How Supply Chain Leaders Are Scaling Agentic AI: https://bit.ly/49hCqIq
  • WEBINAR- Amazon Supply Chain 101: Enabling efficiency and growth for businesses everywhere–and everywhere they sell: https://bit.ly/49r8N7D
  • WEBINAR- The Expanding Role of Supply Chain Optimization Teams in Driving Business Impact: https://bit.ly/3PHRAAf

This episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Richard Donaldson, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/buzz-reverse-logistics-reshaping-retail-recommerce-1584

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