Second, embrace the idea of using your supply chain as a competitive differentiator. A fine-tuned supply chain can be the holiday hero for any retailer as it allows for easier adaptation to volatile swings in demand and faster, guaranteed product delivery to reduce stock-outs.

Finally, don't cut corners with the returns process. Not only will this improve customer experiences and, ultimately, customer satisfaction and loyalty, but a well-designed returns process can also better support the bottom line.

Returns are simply a cost of doing business. However, with the right returns supply chain strategy, you can create a better customer experience (driving customer loyalty and repeat business) as well as drive incremental value from the returned products by processing them quickly and making them available for sale back into retail or into alternate channels.

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