Blue Yonder Acquires US Returns Tech Firm Optoro

Blue Yonder has acquired Optoro, a U.S.-based returns technology provider, to enhance its returns management capabilities and offer a comprehensive end-to-end solution for retailers, brands, and logistics service providers. This acquisition addresses the significant challenge of product returns, which accounted for 16.9% of retail sales last year, roughly $890 billion, and aims to improve operational efficiency, reduce waste, and increase profitability through features like enterprise-grade returns processing, dedicated returns facilities, and advanced recommerce capabilities. The integration of Optoro's scalable solutions, particularly in warehousing and in-store returns, will allow Blue Yonder’s customers to optimize returns, enhance the shopper experience, and improve inventory planning. Key industry experts note that handling the returns lifecycle effectively is becoming a crucial factor for retail competitiveness and profitability. Optoro’s CEO highlighted that joining with Blue Yonder's expanding customer base enables the full realization of their vision to help thousands of companies worldwide manage returns more effectively. This move also aligns with growing demand for sustainable supply chain practices, as billions of pounds of returns often end up in landfills annually due to inefficient returns management.