1. OSCM Publications
  2. Volume 16, Issue 1, 2023
  3. Comparison of Cross-Border Reverse Logistics of a Fast Fashion Brand in China

Comparison of Cross-Border Reverse Logistics of a Fast Fashion Brand in China

Author(s):

  • Siti Wahab (Universiti Teknologi MARA, Bandar Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia)
  • Albert Tan (Asian Institute of Management, Makati, Philippines)
  • Olivier Roche (Asian Institute of Management, Makati, Philippines)
Volume: 16 Issue: 1 Publication Year: 2023 Page: 25-35 Available Online: 12 March 2023 DOI: 10.31387/oscm0520370
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Abstract:
With the advent of "Industry 4.0" and the associated disruption caused by such rapid digital transformation, the logistics industry was able to develop cross-border delivery and increase demand for any given product. However, the risks associated with Cross-Border Reverse Logistics (CBRL) remain largely unexplored, and there is a paucity of research in this area. Hence, this study's objective is to investigate the e-commerce delivery system and CBRL model of a major fashion brand. The study is based on a case study approach comparing the CBRL processes of the Zara official site with one of their main channel partners, Alibaba. Data was collected through archival records, a secondary data bank and interviews with Zara representatives for a deeper analysis. The analysis reveals that both Zara and Alibaba's official sites currently have issues with their CBRL operations. The development of cross-border logistics represents a great opportunity to improve current Zara's and Alibaba's e-commerce platforms business model. In a very competitive market, a lack of a cross-border logistics system could represent a potential loss. Compared to local reverse logistics, cross-border remains at a relatively primitive stage. However, local reverse logistics can provide insights to Zara and Alibaba towards developing and improving CBRL. The case findings lay the foundation for a better understanding of CBRL e-commerce's challenges and support the need to optimize these systems to improve customer service in China.

This article is published under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) licence.

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@article{oscm-2023-91,
  title={Comparison of Cross-Border Reverse Logistics of a Fast Fashion Brand in China},
  year={2023},
  author={Siti Wahab and Albert Tan and Olivier Roche},
  journal={Operations and Supply Chain Management: An International Journal},
  volume={16},
  number={1},
  pages={25--35},
  doi={10.31387/oscm0520370}
}
Siti Wahab, Albert Tan, Olivier Roche (2023). Comparison of Cross-Border Reverse Logistics of a Fast Fashion Brand in China. Operations and Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, 16(1), 25-35. https://doi.org/10.31387/oscm0520370
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