The Economic Impact of Returns and the $1.6 Trillion Opportunity

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, host Scott Luton sits down with two industry leaders shaping the future of reverse logistics and circular supply chains. Joining the conversation are Sean Cleland, Vice President of Mobility and Asset Recovery at B-Stock, and Rich Bulger, Founder and Chief Circularity Officer at All Things Circular.

Sean shares how B-Stock has pioneered the secondary market for retailers and brands, using data and AI to transform returns from a tactical afterthought into a strategic advantage. He explores how mobile technology sets the pace for the broader supply chain, why retailers like Best Buy are rethinking refurbished and resale programs, and how companies are shifting toward proactive planning and insourcing to better manage reverse flows.

Rich reflects on his journey from building billion-dollar trade-in programs at Verizon and Cisco to launching All Things Circular, a platform dedicated to education, collaboration, and innovation in reverse logistics. He highlights the evolution of returns as a revenue driver, the urgent need for new training and curricula, and the importance of circular thinking in addressing a $1.6 trillion challenge.

Together, Sean and Rich offer a candid look at where reverse logistics is headed, the role of AI in predicting value and shaping contracts, and how leaders can rethink returns as an opportunity for growth, sustainability, and impact. 

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(01:38) Interview with Sean Cleland from B-Stock

(02:55) B-Stock's role in reverse logistics

(04:02) Trends in mobile tech and returns management

(08:15) The importance of data and AI

(11:52) Interview with Rich Bulger from All Things Circular

(13:13) Rich Bulger's journey and insights

(21:56) Introduction to circular platforms

(25:05) The evolution of Going Circular

(27:46) Viewing feedback as blessings for improvement

(31:01) The importance of reverse logistics education

(35:35) Impact of returns and circular logistics

Resources:

• Connect with Sean Cleland: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanrcleland/ 
• Connect with Rich Bulger: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-bulger-43b02112/ 
• Learn more about All Things Circular: https://allthingscircular.com/ 
• Learn more about B-Stock: https://bstock.com/ 
• Connect with Scott Luton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottwindonluton/
• Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com 
• Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now  
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This episode was hosted by Scott W. Luton and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/reverse-logistics-spotlight-innovators-turning-returns-revenue-1490