NRF announces acquisition of Reverse Logistics Association

The National Retail Federation (NRF) today announced its acquisition of the Reverse Logistics Association (RLA), a global trade association for the returns and reverse industry. The announcement was made during the RLA Leadership Summit in Atlanta. NRF called the acquisition part of its unrivaled commitment to support sustainable practices throughout the retail industry. 

"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. “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.” 

The circular economy is an economy-wide effort to ensure that useful products, materials and resources are reused or recycled, NRF noted. While hundreds of retail brands already offer “gently used” or “pre-loved” products to their customers, many others sell excess inventory at a discount. The reverse logistics industry manages the collecting, sorting, repairing and refurbishing of products for resale or recycling.  

“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.”