Holiday returns 2024: Prepare for a post-Christmas surge
Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2024 broke records again. By the end of Black Friday, $10.2 billion was spent online (up 16%). Cyber Monday sales soar to $11.5 billionThis made it the biggest online shopping day in US history. Total holiday sales are expected to reach the following levels: $820 billionwith $150 billion It is sold online.
But as sales increase, so do returns. The National Retail Federation (NRF) reports: 12-15% of holiday purchases It returns something like this: 100 billion dollars To the product. Retailers need to prepare for a surge in returns, especially after Christmas. 20% of total profits This happens during this time. Failure to prepare can result in supply chain disruptions, warehouse congestion, and skyrocketing handling costs.
Upcoming holiday dates and surge in returns
with Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 2024Then Black Friday (November 29) and Cyber Monday (December 2)The surge in returns begins immediately after the holidays. Christmas (December 25, 2024) and expand New Year (January 2025). Returns are expected to peak in early January as gift recipients return unwanted items, forcing retailers to manage logistics effectively.
Reverse Logistics: Growing Need
Reverse logistics that efficiently handles returns is important. The cost of processing returns online still costs approx. double the cost Selling an item. This creates a sense of urgency for retailers and manufacturers to reduce the burden of returns, save valuable warehouse space, and make room for new inventory. And as shoppers become more accustomed to quick and easy returns, it’s an ongoing challenge for retailers to keep up.
How resellers can take advantage of the post-holiday return surge
For resellers and recommerce professionals, the surge in post-holiday returns presents a unique opportunity to purchase a variety of high-demand items at significantly lower costs. With product returns skyrocketing, from electronics to clothing, resellers can purchase inventory at competitive prices through B2B recommerce platforms like B-Stock. This influx allows them to meet consumer demand for discounted goods while maximizing profits. Additionally, by leveraging these marketplaces, resale businesses benefit from consistent access to top-tier inventory throughout peak returns season.
Solve your challenges with modern solutions
Traditional liquidation methods are not sufficient to handle today’s revenue scale. That’s why the world’s best brands and manufacturers like Amazon, Target, Walmart, Best Buy, Samsung, and more partner with B-Stock! We help get these post-holiday returns and other liquidated merchandise into the secondary market.
Qualified buyers can access inventory through auctions and other unique buying opportunities, including contract agreements and direct sales. This model helps alleviate supply chain bottlenecks and keep thousands of returned products in service.
Buy Holiday Returns from B-Stock
In the weeks following the holidays, B-Stock saw a significant spike in returned product listings. Historically, 60% more inventory It was posted in the first quarter (January to March) compared to the fourth quarter (October to December), and includes popular categories such as women’s trendy clothing, kitchen specialty items, tools, seasonal products, and toys.
Post-holiday returns are like the Super Bowl for resellers. And being prepared for a post-sales surge is a must! With retailers clearing out warehouses, now is a great time to stock up on good-condition items. Think new with tags and original packaging! What are you waiting for? Start browsing our listings today!
A surge in post-holiday returns, especially in January, can overwhelm retailers’ supply chains. If not managed effectively, this influx can lead to processing delays, increased costs, and warehouse capacity shortages.
Reverse logistics processes returned merchandise quickly and cost-effectively, allowing retailers to recover value through liquidation or resale and avoid supply chain disruptions.
Buyers of resale goods benefit from increased inventory while returns surge. This is especially true because top categories such as clothing, seasonal products, and toys see large returns, giving you the opportunity to purchase high-quality products at a discount.
Using platforms like B-Stock, retailers can liquidate excess inventory and returned items, allowing them to sell merchandise directly to qualified resellers, recoup losses, and keep items out of landfills.
Popular return categories after the holidays include women’s clothing, specialty kitchenware, tools, seasonal products, and toys. These items often end up on resale marketplaces, providing resellers with a variety of inventory.
