EP 214: The Future of Retail Returns: Automation Meets Human Intelligence

11/22/24 • 21 min

Retail Unwrapped - from The Robin Report

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Special Guest: Tim Fehr, COO of Happy Returns

The complexities of modern returns management include processing hundreds of thousands of SKUs and demand both technological precision and human insight. As retail continues to evolve, the ability to efficiently manage returns while preventing fraud has become a critical factor in maintaining profitability and customer loyalty. As a pioneering force in returns management, Happy Returns has revolutionized the industry through its innovative approach to combining human verification with robotics automation. Join Shelley and Tim as they discuss how the Happy Returns system achieves a remarkable 35 percent improvement in processing speed while maintaining rigorous fraud prevention standards and how their automated processing centers ensure rapid inventory recovery for retailers. Their returns process is also netting a lifetime 93 Net Promoter Score. Their acquisition by UPS has further enhanced their capability to provide enterprise-level returns management solutions and the ability to scale innovation efforts.

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We'd love to have your feedback and ideas for future episodes of Retail Unwrapped. Just text us!

Special Guest: Tim Fehr, COO of Happy Returns

Previous Episode

EP 213: Why Circular Store Design Will Redefine Resilient Retail

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Special Guest: Rebekah L. Matheny, NCIDQ, IIDA, Associate Professor | Interior Design | Department of Design, The Ohio State University; Founder & Director | REBEL Sustainable Futures Lab

The retail industry stands at a pivotal crossroads where sustainability, inclusivity, and profitability are converging to create a new model for growth. As consumer preferences evolve and environmental consciousness continues to rise, traditional retail operations are being challenged by a more circular, purpose-driven approach that promises both economic and environmental advantages. Circularity also includes store design with compelling supporting data: Circular retail models can generate up to four times higher profits per item while reducing environmental impact by 80 percent. Join Shelley and Rebekah as they unpack why circular design is not just about sustainability, it’s about creating a resilient business model. The imperative for change is clear: As Gen Zers and Alphas gain more purchasing power, their expectations for sustainable and inclusive retail experiences will reshape the industry. Retailers who pivot now will be better positioned to capture this growing market while contributing to a more resilient retail future.

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EP 215: The AI-Powered Merchant: Creativity Meets Retail Technology

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Guest: Ken Pilot of Ken Pilot Ventures, a retail advisory and technology investment firm.

The convergence of traditional retail expertise with technological innovation is at a critical juncture for industry leaders. The retail-tech landscape is rapidly advancing beyond basic digitization into practical applications that directly impact the bottom line. Join Shelley and Ken as they dive into the next-gen technologies that are changing the retail landscape. They discuss how conversational commerce is revolutionizing the way customers discover products and how new technologies are transforming in-store operations by empowering associates with AI-driven styling tools and inventory insights. What will define the next level of retail success? The ability to harness retail-tech tools while maintaining brand authenticity and merchant creativity. Listen in to a tech-infused, stimulating conversation.

Retail Unwrapped - from The Robin Report - EP 214: The Future of Retail Returns: Automation Meets Human Intelligence

Transcript

Transcript by Descript:

We have a market leading approach to item verification where we physically inspect goods and validate them through scanning the skew barcodes, which we think is one of the most useful things you can do to prevent fraud. Retail Unwrapped is a weekly podcast hosted by Shelley Kohan from The Robin Report.

Each episode dives into the latest trends and developments in the retail industry. Join them as they discuss interesting topics and interview indu