Nostalgia is not a strategy – creating value from returns

Lecture on the topic:

Nostalgia is not a strategy – creating value from returns

Speakers:

Judith Costello – eBay

Description:

Recommerce has evolved from a niche concept into a powerful growth engine – especially in the DIY and home improvement sector. While overall eCommerce is returning to growth, the recommerce market is expanding at a significantly faster pace. But how can retailers, brands and manufacturers turn returns and refurbished goods into a profitable business?

This session explores how marketplaces enable scalable recommerce models and how returned goods, B-stock and refurbished products can be successfully remarketed without compromising brand value. Attendees will gain practical insights into different go-to-market approaches – from direct selling to partnering with specialized returns and refurbishment service providers.

A key focus is consumer trust: What role do quality standards, transparency, guarantees and customer service play in driving purchase decisions for non-new products? And how can sustainability goals be aligned with commercial success?

With concrete data, market insights and real-world best practices, this presentation offers actionable guidance for companies looking to establish or expand their circular eCommerce strategy in the DIY category – turning “second chance” products into a true first choice for customers.