UPS announced today that it has acquired Happy Returns, a U.S.-based software and reverse logistics company that enables frictionless, no-box, no-label returns for merchants and consumers.
The acquisition is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2023, subject to customary conditions and regulatory approvals. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.
“We know that returns have long frustrated shoppers and retailers looking for quick and easy solutions,” said UPS CEO Carol B. Tomé. “By combining Happy Returns’ easy digital experience and established drop-off points with UPS’s small package network and footprint of close to 5,200 The UPS Store locations, box-free, label-free returns will soon be available at more than 12,000 convenient locations in the U.S.”
“Joining the UPS team is a win for both our employees and our customers,” said Happy Returns CEO and co-founder David Sobie, who will continue to lead the business for UPS after the deal closes. “In recent years, the growth of Happy Returns has accelerated, and we’ve built an enterprise-grade solution. This new chapter is a natural next step for Happy Returns and allows us to harness the power of the UPS network to transform the returns industry.”
Happy Returns offers a full stack of returns solutions, powered by software and fully scaled reverse logistics operations that facilitate frictionless returns. In a few simple steps, users can access a returns portal, make a box-free return at the most convenient location and have their item shipped, sorted and returned to the merchant. With more than 800 merchant customers, Happy Returns has a strong track record of providing hassle-free, no-box returns, reducing the cost of e-commerce for all players and creating a more efficient, sustainable supply chain.
The acquisition of Happy Returns is part of UPS’s broader strategy to expand its e-commerce and digital solutions offerings. In recent years, UPS has made a number of investments in this area, including the acquisition of Freightquote in 2021 and the launch of its UPS Digital Logistics Platform in 2022.
The acquisition is also expected to benefit Happy Returns’ customers. UPS’s global network and scale will give Happy Returns the ability to expand its reach and offer its services to more merchants and consumers. Additionally, UPS’s expertise in logistics and technology will help Happy Returns to continue to innovate and improve its returns solutions.
Overall, the acquisition of Happy Returns is a positive development for both UPS and Happy Returns. It is expected to benefit shippers, consumers, and the e-commerce industry as a whole.
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