With the “e-commerce boom” that quickly went from phenomenon to everyday life, increasingly high demands were placed on efficient return solutions and flexible third-party logistics. For Boomerang – the 3PL company with Swedish and Estonian roots – the last few years have meant a journey where they have both had time to develop solutions that optimize logistics for both large and small e-retailers, but also built an advanced reconditioning facility that gives returned products a new life.
An example of Boomerang’s innovative capabilities is the advanced reconditioning facility it has developed for its returns hubs in the Czech Republic and Estonia. For larger e-tailers, this offers the opportunity to use a solution that not only streamlines returns flows but also reduces waste and environmental impact. Here, textiles, shoes and accessories can be cleaned, cared for and prepared for resale – instead of being discarded.
In e-commerce, consumers expect to receive products in new condition, even if they have been returned several times. We have invested in a professional reconditioning facility where we can remove dirt, makeup, animal hair and other small defects so that the products look like new. For our customers, waste is drastically reduced while profitability increases, says Ilja Kukushkin.
According to Ilja, the service is so popular today that more than 10,000 garments and articles are saved from falling out of linear flows every month. The products thus get a “second chance” on the market and avoid the risk of being discarded unnecessarily.
Czech Republic strategically important for a smaller climate footprint
Another advantage of Boomerang’s facility in the Czech Republic is its strategic location – in the middle of Europe – which means shorter transport distances and faster handling. Being close to a large number of consumers results in reduced shipping costs. And a reduced climate footprint.
“Our returns handling is not just about receiving and sorting products, but about optimizing every step in the process to reduce costs. Here, of course, the distance to European consumers is important,” says Ilja Kukushkin.
The modern facility is built to handle large volumes efficiently, where consolidated returns are quickly sorted, quality controlled and reconditioned. According to Ilja and Boomerang, it helps customers with both profitability and lower emissions.
Smooth 3PL services for small and medium-sized businesses
For smaller e-tailers and brands that do not have their own logistics, Boomerang offers flexible third-party logistics. By storing products in the Czech Republic, small e-tailers can easily outsource their entire logistics – from storage to order picking and delivery directly to the end customer.
“We know that small and medium-sized e-tailers have completely different needs than large players. That is why we offer tailor-made solutions where they can focus on sales and brand building, while we handle all the logistics,” says Ilja Kukushkin.
The central location means that goods can be shipped faster and cheaper throughout Europe, making Boomerang an attractive partner for e-tailers who want to grow without investing in their own warehouse and logistics solutions.
With a state-of-the-art facility in the heart of Europe, Boomerang combines smart returns management with efficient third-party logistics. Now they are waiting to start building the next facility with its green reconditioning concept. And according to Ilja, it will happen in the near future as the short decision-making periods also apply to this investment.
