
Likewise, merchandisers and inventory planners of direct retailers are also miles ahead on this. Because they have access to customer transactional data across several channels, they're able to determine when and why returns occurred, and can then incorporate that data into their merchandise profit analytics and forecasts. The same holds true for inventory planners, who can incorporate inventory trends into their future inventory projections.
Therefore, brick-and-mortar retailers, when dealing with the challenges of omnichannel returns, look to your direct retail counterparts for insight on gaining control of this critical area of your business.

Joe is Vice President of Product Solutions at Software Paradigms International (SPI), an award-winning provider of technology solutions, including merchandise planning applications, mobile applications, eCommerce development and hosting and integration services, to retailers for more than 20 years.
Joe is a 34-year veteran of the retail industry with hands-on experience in marketing, merchandising, inventory management and business development at multichannel retail companies including Lands’ End, LifeSketch.com, Nordstrom.com and Duluth Trading Company. At SPI, Joe uses his experience to help customers and prospects understand how to improve sales and profits through applying industry best practices in merchandise planning and inventory management systems and processes.