The National Retail Federation (NRF) acquired the Reverse Logistics Association (RLA), a global trade association for the returns and reverse industry. The acquisition was announced during RLA’s Leadership Summit in Atlanta, GA, and is said to be part of the NRF’s “unrivaled commitment to support sustainable practices throughout the retail industry.”
“The NRF has a long history of convening supply chain professionals to collaborate and develop resources that improve the retail industry. Retailers understand the importance of sustainability practices and the environmental, economic, social, and consumer benefits that accompany them,” explained NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay. “As consumer demand for sustainable offerings continues to increase, RLA’s reverse logistics expertise will help our members to ‘close the loop’ and accelerate the emergence of the circular economy.”
The NRF said in a release that the “circular economy is an economy-wide effort to ensure that useful products, materials and resources are reused or recycled.”
“While hundreds of retail brands already offer “gently used” or “pre-loved” products to their customers, many others sell excess inventory at a discount. The reverse logistics industry manages the collecting, sorting, repairing, and refurbishing of products for resale or recycling,” the trade association said.
“Joining the NRF is an exciting opportunity for RLA and our members,” said RLA Executive Director Tony Sciarrotta. “NRF recognizes reverse logistics as the backbone of the circular economy and understands how it plays a vital role in broader sustainability initiatives for the retail industry. Through this partnership, RLA will continue to reach industries investing in the circular economy and enhance NRF’s long-term commitment to retail’s supply chain and sustainability efforts.”
The NRF said the acquisition would ensure that its members and the industry “will continue to receive the most forward-thinking, real-world and actionable innovations, research and information to drive the evolution of the world’s supply chain.”
Photo courtesy Reverse Logistics Association
