Groupon seeks many happy returns

Online deal provider Groupon is attempting to increase supply chain efficiency in a way that will allow it to offer even more and better discounts.



Groupon is partnering with Optoro, a platform for returned and excess inventory, to better process returns for its Groupon Goods business. Groupon Goods offers discounts on physical items.



This new solution, implemented on-site at Groupon's fulfillment center in Hebron, Kentucky, is designed to allow Groupon to better handle returned items by cutting out middlemen and reducing waste. Optoro's software helps optimize the management of returned and excess inventory by processing, sorting, and selling products more efficiently and cost-effectively.



"At Groupon, we are always looking for innovative partners that will help us become a more sustainable, profitable, and community-oriented business," said Andrew Bowerman, VP of logistics, Groupon Goods. "The Optoro solution enables us to do all three by reducing waste and carbon emissions in the supply chain, increasing recovery, and providing consumers with great deals."



Returned and excess items are often shipped multiple times over the course of several months before reaching the end consumer. By eliminating much or all of this extra supply chain movement, Groupon can get returns back into its customer-facing assortment faster and at greater discount. Fitting for a company specializing in time-sensitive, low-price deals.