The Retail Hive Fulfilment Schedule

Wednesday 2nd April
In-Person Breakfast: Efficient Operations and Processing of Returns

Join us for a crucial breakfast discussion on the pressing challenges of returns processing in retail.  

Consumer returns are now costing UK retailers a staggering £60 billion annually. This huge financial burden demands that retailers enhance their returns processing capabilities to cut costs and swiftly resell returned goods to protect revenue. However, stores and warehouses are drowning in a sea of returned items, with no clear path for efficient disposition and reintegration into inventory. 

Don’t miss this chance to collaborate with peers and retail experts to devise high-impact, accessible strategies for automating and digitalising the returns process. Learn how accessing the right data and using it to implement the right rules can revolutionise returns processing, ensuring goods are swiftly back on sale, refunds are expedited for happier customers, and landfill waste is minimised to meet your sustainability commitments.

Inventory management and demand planning are central to the success of any supply chain especially when dealing with the unique challenges presented by global operations, limited budges and fragmented systems. Effective demand planning requires precises data capture, forecasting tools and integrated communication channels but many organisations face hurdles such as outdated systems, lack of automation and inefficient internal processes.

Key discussion points will include communication and process alignment, data capture and tools for decision making, forecasting and automation integration, 3PL and logistics solutions, budget constraints and affordable innovations.

Thursday 15th – Friday 16th May
Residential: Supply Chain Leaders Exchange 

Over 60 minutes we will unite our logistics and eCommerce hives together to discuss the methods retailers & brands are implementing to deliver a seamless and efficient returns journey, with a strong focus on customer experience in post-purchase. As customer expectations for hassle-free returns grow, both eCommerce and logistics teams are tasked with not only optimising operational efficiency but also with enhancing customer satisfaction through streamlined, reliable communication.

This meeting will explore how can returns become a key driver of customer loyalty and profitability — from the rise of tech-enabled solutions like, real-time monitoring to automated self-service portals and local carrier options — all designed to minimise delays, reduce handling costs, and ensure customer satisfaction. Our members will discuss the methods they are using to convert returns into revenue opportunities. Join us to come away with real world insights into how your peers are creating end-to-end experiences that benefits both the customer and the bottom line.

Reducing returns through targeted tech investment is becoming essential for retailers seeking to improve profitability and customer satisfaction. By implementing advanced technologies like AI-driven recommendation engines, augmented reality (AR) fitting rooms, and data analytics, retailers can help customers make more informed purchase decisions, thereby lowering the likelihood of returns due to mismatched expectations. Tools like virtual try-ons or 3D product visualizations allow customers to see and evaluate products more accurately, reducing common reasons for returns such as fit or product appearance issues.

Additionally, data analytics provides insights into return trends, enabling companies to identify and address frequent return causes, such as sizing discrepancies or quality concerns, and to offer tailored recommendations. Through these tech investments, retailers not only streamline the shopping experience but also minimize the volume of returns, cutting costs associated with reverse logistics and enhancing overall customer loyalty.