Marie Nadia Vincent

Inside the reverse logistics education gap and the economic blind spot keeping it invisible Special Guest Blog Post written by Deborah Dull   Tony Sciarrotta has been asking the same question at industry conferences for years. As the Senior Director of Circularity and Reverse Logistics at the National Retail Federation, he knows what answer he’s going to get. But he keeps asking anyway. “Anybody in here go to school for returns management, reverse logistics, circularity? Any degrees in those fields the room?” It’s rare that anyone raises their hand. “That’s what’s wrong with our industry,” Sciarrotta told me at NRF Rev this January, the first conference under NRF’s new reverse logistics banner. “We still need to fix it.”   The Numbers That Should Make Headlines Here’s what makes reverse logistics so fascinating: the scale is staggering, but the infrastructure to support it needs to be stronger. According to the National Retail Federation, American retailers processed approximately $890 billion in returns in 2024 which is roughly 17% of all retail sales – and it’s higher for ecommerce. But that number almost certainly understates reality. “We have a fragmented industry,” Sciarrotta explained. “Where are all those returns going? It has to be…

As the supply chain industry continues to face profound transformation, staying updated on the latest trends, innovations, and best practices in the space is crucial. With over 464 million podcast listeners worldwide, podcasts have become an invaluable resource for professionals seeking insights and inspiration. The wonderful world of the web means you can find a podcast in any niche, but how do you separate the wheat from the chaff when it comes to quality supply chain podcasts? To help you get there, we’ve curated a round-up of the top ten must-listen supply chain podcasts that will keep you informed and entertained. 1. Supply Chain Now Where to Listen: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now/ Hosts: Scott Luton and various industry experts. Best for: The go-to resource for insights into global supply chain performance. Featured in the Apple Podcasts business leadership charts in over 60 countries, Supply Chain Now is a renowned podcast for its extensive coverage of supply chain topics, including insights from industry leaders and experts. Hosted by Scott Luton and his team of industry-veteran co-hosts from brands like Amazon, P&G, and Nordstrom, the podcast delves into everything from logistics and transportation to technology and innovation. With a history of high-quality content and engaging…