Get an early look at the keynote sessions that will shape the future of returns and reverse logistics. These forward-looking presentations are designed to deliver practical insights and strategic inspiration for professionals across retail, brand and manufacturing sectors. Whether you're focused on operational efficiency, financial impact or sustainability, these sessions offer actionable takeaways to help you lead change and unlock new value across the entire product lifecycle.
8:45 AM - 9:15 AM
Built to last: Scaling retail to be smarter, leaner and more accountable
Retail’s future is being shaped by the convergence of profit, sustainability and circularity. In this forward-looking session, leaders driving change will share practical strategies that balance business growth with environmental responsibility. From scalable reuse models and waste-reducing technologies to circular supply chains and data-driven decision-making, discover how companies are turning visionary goals into real-world, revenue-generating outcomes. Walk away with actionable insights that prove a more sustainable future isn’t just possible — it’s profitable.
9:15 AM - 9:45 AM
Proven partners, real returns: Making the business case for more streamlined retail operations
In today’s unpredictable retail environment, margin protection and cost certainty are more critical than ever. This session makes a compelling case for why business leaders need to pay attention to cross-functional partnerships that unlock operational efficiencies and deliver measurable results. From shared logistics networks and returns management to resale, repair and inventory recovery, we’ll explore how strategic collaborations are quietly becoming margin-saving engines. Hear how top retailers are de-risking their operations, trimming waste and building new profit centers by rethinking old processes — with real-world data to prove it.
11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Reverse logistics reimagined: Driving down costs, powering up efficiency
Reverse logistics is no longer just about managing returns — it’s a strategic lever for cost savings, efficiency and customer satisfaction. This session dives into how retailers are reimagining reverse logistics with smarter processes, advanced technologies and data-driven insights. From automated returns handling and centralized processing hubs to AI-powered routing and resale-ready refurbishments, learn how leading companies are transforming a cost center into a competitive advantage. Discover practical innovations that reduce friction, recover value and streamline operations across the reverse supply chain.
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Resell, donate or recycle: Optimizing reverse logistics and maximizing asset recovery
Every returned item has a second life — and a potential second profit. This session explores how retailers are optimizing reverse logistics to make smarter decisions about whether to resell, donate or recycle returned and excess inventory. Learn how leading companies are leveraging data, automation and strategic partnerships to maximize asset recovery, reduce waste and improve sustainability. From recommerce platforms to charitable donation networks and material reclamation, discover how to turn reverse logistics into a value-generating engine for your business.
2:15 PM - 2:45 PM
From hassle to halo: Turning returns into a loyalty driver
Returns don’t have to be a pain point — they can be a powerful opportunity to build trust and deepen customer loyalty. In this session, hear how innovative retailers are transforming the returns experience into a seamless, customer-centric touchpoint that keeps shoppers coming back. From flexible policies and frictionless digital tools to proactive communication and personalized service, discover strategies that turn post-purchase challenges into brand-building moments. Learn how a well-designed returns journey can drive repeat business, boost satisfaction and create long-term customer advocates.
2:45 PM - 3:15 PM
The post-purchase moment: Where customer experience truly begins
The sale isn’t the finish line — it’s just the starting point of the customer relationship. This session explores how the post-purchase experience has become a critical frontier for loyalty, satisfaction and brand differentiation. From delivery transparency and real-time updates to proactive support, easy returns and personalized follow-ups, learn how leading retailers are elevating every post-purchase touchpoint. Discover how investing in this often-overlooked phase of the customer journey can turn one-time buyers into lifelong brand advocates.
8:45 AM - 9:15 AM
Circular textile drivers: Regulatory pressure meets consumer demand
The shift toward circular textile is accelerating, driven by a powerful combination of tightening regulations and rising consumer expectations. In this session, industry leaders will unpack how evolving policies — such as extended producer responsibility laws and digital product passports — are reshaping the fashion landscape, while conscious consumers demand more sustainable and transparent practices. Learn how brands are responding with innovative circular models from resale and rental to repair and recycling –that meet both compliance standards and market demand. Gain insight into how aligning regulatory readiness with customer values can unlock new growth opportunities and future-proof your fashion business.
9:15 AM - 9:45 AM
Circular textiles: Realizing returns, reverse and revenue
Circular textile is redefining the way brands manage returns, reverse logistics and revenue recovery. This session explores how forward-thinking companies are building circular systems that not only reduce waste but also unlock new value streams. From reselling returned goods and refurbishing inventory to recycling materials and streamlining reverse operations, learn how retailers are transforming traditional cost centers into engines of profit and sustainability. Hear practical examples of how circular strategies are delivering measurable business impact — while meeting growing demands for responsibility and transparency.
11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
C-suite view: The challenges and opportunities of retail returns
Retail returns aren't just a customer service issue — they’re a significant financial challenge. In this session, hear directly from a chief financial officer as they share how returns impact the bottom line, shape inventory strategy and influence company forecasting. Gain insight into how CFOs evaluate return policies, the hidden costs behind reverse logistics and the metrics that matter most in driving profitable decisions. This candid discussion will give retail leaders a financial lens on one of the industry's most persistent challenges.
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Resale retail: Making money selling it again
Resale is no longer a side hustle — it’s a serious growth engine. This session dives into how retailers and brands are capitalizing on the booming secondhand market to drive revenue, attract new customers and extend product life cycles. From owned resale channels to third-party partnerships and peer-to-peer platforms, learn the models that are working and the strategies that are scaling. Hear how smart pricing, inventory grading and seamless integration are turning gently used goods into profitable, brand-building opportunities.
2:15 PM - 2:45 PM
Return and reverse investment trends
In this session, top venture capitalists and investors explore the next-generation innovations poised to reshape returns and reverse logistics in 2026. Rather than viewing returns as a cost center, this session will spotlight how leading retailers and emerging solution providers are turning reverse logistics into a strategic advantage using AI, circularity, automation and integrated data ecosystems. Hear what’s on the horizon for 2026 around emerging technologies and transformational new models. Understand the “big unlockˮ of how AI, RFID, predictive analytics and resale will reduce friction, cut costs and shrink return volume. Expert panelists will share where investment dollars are fueling returns and reverse logistics innovation.
2:45 PM - 3:15 PM
The returns equation: Using data to design out margin loss
Returns are one of retail’s most expensive and underutilized data sources — and the smartest teams are finally putting that insight to work. This session unpacks how retailers are using returns data to solve margin-draining problems at their source: product design, packaging, sizing and fulfillment. According to Happy Returns, 65% of returns stem from size, fit or style issues — and every return costs an average of $26 to process. With clear visibility into these cost drivers, business leaders are redesigning products and processes to reduce returns before they happen. Learn how top brands are minimizing touchpoints, improving sell-through and protecting profit — turning returns from a sunk cost into a strategic advantage.