1283. From click to return: the hidden impacts of product returns in global fast e-commerce platforms
Invited abstract in session TC-47: E-commerce, stream Retail Operations.
Tuesday, 12:30-14:00Room: Parkinson B08
Authors (first author is the speaker)
| 1. | Danni Zhang
|
| Logistics and Operations Management Section, Cardiff Business School, Cardiff University | |
| 2. | Harsha Halgamuwe Hewage
|
| Data lab for Social Good Research Group, Cardiff Business School, Cardiff University |
Abstract
The rapid rise of global fast e-commerce platforms like Shein and Temu has transformed Western retail markets, generating significant revenues (e.g., Shein: £1.55 billion in 2023). Unlike traditional international retailers, these platforms act as intermediaries for numerous small and medium-sized businesses, adding complexity to the management of product returns. While existing research has explored aspects of their business models—particularly forward supply chains and sales strategies—significant gaps remain in understanding how product returns are managed. Importantly, consumer awareness of the financial, and environmental impacts of their global returns on these platforms, along with associated influencing factors, remains underexplored.
This research addresses these gaps through a two-phase approach. First, a desk review analysed the challenges and strategies employed by global fast e-commerce platforms to manage returns. Second, we conducted a UK consumer survey via Prolific applied Structural Equation Modelling to quantify how risk perceptions, financial and sustainability trade-offs, and ethical considerations influence return decision. The findings offer retailers and policymakers develop sustainable return practices and support circular economy initiatives beyond platform-specific measures, aligning with new EU regulations to reduce textile waste and ban the destruction of unsold clothing.
Keywords
- E-Commerce
- Behavioural OR
- Logistics
Status: accepted
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