Store Returns & Reverse Supply Chains: Unlocking Market Opportunities in 2025
Retail returns in the U.S. skyrocketed to $890 billion in 2024, making up 14.5% of total retail sales, according to the National Retail Federation and Happy Returns. Driven by e-commerce growth and shifting consumer behaviors, this surge is pushing retailers to reimagine how they handle reverse logistics, excess inventory, and unsold goods.
At the 21st Annual Reverse Logistics Association (RLA) Conference in Las Vegas, our team connected with global industry leaders to explore the evolving landscape of resale, sustainability, and supply chain innovation. A clear theme emerged: secondhand markets are uniquely positioned to intercept and repurpose returns, reducing landfill impact and turning waste into value.
Building on this momentum, our team embarked on a field visit to the U.S.-Mexico border in March 2025 to engage directly with key players in the resale ecosystem. In Eagle Pass and Laredo, TX, we met with wholesalers, freight forwarders, and longtime partners.
These conversations confirmed a powerful trend: retail returns are no longer just a burden—they’re a business opportunity. And for the secondhand and circular economy sectors, 2025 represents a pivotal year to scale sustainable solutions across borders.
The Future of Used Clothing Trade in Latin America: Market Entry & Compliance Strategies
Latin America is poised to become a secondhand superpower—if approached strategically. In our latest blog, we explore:
- Why consumer demand for affordable and sustainable fashion is booming
- How compliance varies across countries
- What strategies can help exporters succeed
🇬🇭 Ghana’s Used Clothing Dealers Take a Stand
The Ghana Used Clothing Dealers Association recently launched a strike, demanding government action on trade restrictions and unfair treatment of secondhand importers. This signals broader tensions across African markets that rely heavily on used textiles for economic activity and employment.
Understanding local market dynamics—and advocating for fair policies—will be critical as secondhand suppliers look to maintain strong partnerships in Africa.
🎧 Listen In: Steven Bethell on the Planet Aid Podcast
In Episode 18 of the Planet Aid Podcast, our co-founder Steven Bethell dives into the origins of Bank & Vogue and our company’s mission to make used clothing a force for good. He shares how Bank & Vogue’s creative arm, Beyond Remade, is leading the way in luxury secondhand fashion.
It’s an inspiring conversation on sustainability, creativity, and the potential of circular design to reshape fashion’s future.
Have questions or want to collaborate on driving a more sustainable and profitable circular economy? Let’s explore opportunities together.
