The Buzz: How Reverse Logistics Is Reshaping Retail and Recommerce

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 & TakeawaysAI-first supply chain design is accelerating smarter, faster decision-makingBig and bulky retail delivery still needs better visibility and customer communicationAmazon’s supply chain services could reshape fulfillment, logistics, and recommerceReverse logistics is moving from a back-end function to a strategic growth engineReuse should come before recycling when building circular supply chainsReturns fraud is creating new challenges—and new technology opportunitiesCircularity will require better data, smarter systems, and more investmentAs 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-SupplyChainDesignWith That Said: https://bit.ly/WTS-9-May-2026Why big and bulky delivery is the final frontier for retail supply chains: https://bit.ly/Big-And-Bulky-InnovationAmazon opens logistics network to all businesses: https://bit.ly/Amazon-Launches-ASCSReverse Logistics: The Strategic Engine Driving the Secondary Mobile Device Market: https://bit.ly/Mobile-Device-Reverse-LogisticsStartup Pitches X-Rays and AI to Catch Fraudulent Returns: https://bit.ly/42wavRpReturnPro: 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.comWatch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-nowSubscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/joinWork with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVkWEBINAR- There's No Finish Line in Leadership: Tips to Optimize Your Strategy & Execution: https://bit.ly/4tHOWJAWEBINAR- Delivering Flawless Field Service with Predictive Insights and AI: https://bit.ly/4sXVZfVWEBINAR- From AI Pilots to Performance: How Supply Chain Leaders Are Scaling Agentic AI: https://bit.ly/49hCqIqWEBINAR- Amazon Supply Chain 101: Enabling efficiency and growth for businesses everywhere–and everywhere they sell: https://bit.ly/49r8N7DWEBINAR- The Expanding Role of Supply Chain Optimization Teams in Driving Business Impact: https://bit.ly/3PHRAAfThis 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 The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at [email protected]© 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.