The supply chain software firm Blue Yonder today said it has acquired the remaining shares of product returns specialist Inmar Post-Purchase Solutions (IPPS), a joint venture between Doddle—a part of Blue Yonder—and Inmar, Inc.
Doddle had already owned 49% of IPPS as of March, 2022, so the latest move means that Doddle has now purchased the remaining 51% of IPPS.
More recently, Doddle had said in 2024 that it would work with FedEx to expand their network of return drop-off points and enable a “frictionless” product returns process for U.S. consumers by linking nearly 2,000 drop-off points at FedEx Office locations across the country with IPPS’ network.
Following today’s deal, the entity will be renamed Blue Yonder Reverse Retail Operations LLC, and will continue to support that FedEx returns arrangement, which now encompasses approximately 3,000 drop-off locations at FedEx Office and Kohl’s stores across the U.S., with plans for “swift growth.”
According to Blue Yonder, the new arrangement allows consumers to return their items without needing to print labels or have packaging, enhancing the overall convenience of the returns experience. The solution also helps streamline the returns process for retailers, since returns will be routed through a reverse logistics facility for optimal recovery, helping retailers ensure the accuracy and speed of the return, as well as potentially reducing waste.
“The physical movement of returned items is a major supply chain challenge, yet drop-off locations, transport services, downstream processing tasks, and SKU ownership remain siloed,” Tim Robinson, corporate vice president, Returns, Blue Yonder, said in a release. “With Blue Yonder Returns Management, retailers can optimize their returns process, enhancing speed, sustainability and cost effectiveness while simplifying the returns process for consumers.”
