National Retail Federation Seeks to ‘Close the Loop,’ Acquires Reverse Logistics Association
Retailer association sees RLA's circular economy expertise as a perfect fit
The National Retail Federation has acquired the Reverse Logistics Association, the association announced today.
NRF made the announcement during RLA’s Leadership Summit, taking place in Atlanta this week.
“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,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said in a statement.
Terms of the transaction were not released.
“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.”
RLA was founded in 2002 to fill what it found to be a gap in the “aftermarket supply chain.” That term was refined to become reverse logistics, which has become a critical part of the supply chain as e-commerce has exploded over the past decade.
RLA estimates reverse logistics is equal to between 3% and 15% of gross domestic product – at least $360 billion and as much as $1.8 trillion per year.
Membership in RLA exceeds 150 companies currently.
“Joining 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.”
Sciarrotta took over the association in 2016, becoming the first executive director of RLA.
NRF sees a fit for RLA as the circular economy – the concept of turning gently used or “pre-loved” products and excess inventory – gains traction. The reverse logistics industry manages the collecting, sorting, repairing and refurbishing of products for resale or recycling.
NRF members include many of the world’s largest retailers, many of whom are building out significant reverse logistics operations.
“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,” said Shay.
Related Article
Article Topics
National Retail Federation News & Resources
U.S.-bound import growth track remains promising, notes Port Tracker report NRF 2024 retail sales forecast calls for growth National Retail Federation 2024 retail sales forecast calls for growth February retail sales see gains, reports Commerce and NRF Port Tracker report presents a positive outlook for first half U.S.-bound import numbers Retailers Forecast Import Growth Despite Red Sea Delays Port Tracker report points to import volume growth over the first half of 2024 More National Retail FederationLatest in Warehouse|DC
Dollar Tree’s Oklahoma Distribution Center Decimated by Tornado European Parliament Passes Law on Supply Chain Accountability Transforming Warehousing with AI: Five Key Reasons to Adopt Now Talking Supply Chain: Understanding the FTC’s ban on noncompetes North Carolina Welcomes Amazon’s Newest Mega-Warehouse SAP Unveils New AI-Driven Supply Chain Innovations U.S. Manufacturing is Growing but Employment Not Keeping Pace More Warehouse|DCAbout the Author
