Visionary fulfilment and returns management startup Shiperoo today announced Australia Post has taken a 25% stake in the business as part of an exciting new strategic agreement. This investment showcases their shared commitment to making the process of returning purchases easier and more efficient, as well as aiding environmental sustainability.
According to last year’s Australia Post Inside Australian Online Shopping eCommerce Industry Report, consumers made online purchases worth AU$63.6 billion in 2023 (calendar year).
Shiperoo Founding Partner Nishan Wijemanne explained that the online shopping boom has given rise to exponential growth in returns which has become retail’s largest unaddressed issue.
“Returns are a retail pain point on a number of fronts. Difficult returns are a clear barrier to purchase for modern consumers, who often need to access a selection of similar items before deciding what will suit their needs,” he said.
“Shiperoo was born from the desire to turn the pipe dream of efficient, cost-effective returns management into a reality, utilising automated multi-channel fulfilment facilities that are powered by market-leading robotic technology and AI.
“This includes rapid fulfilment execution for same-day shipping readiness, seamless returns for consumers through Australia Post’s network, efficient returns processing for retailers, and the integration of managed returns into the circular economy through reCommerce opportunities.
“To achieve this, we have developed a returns process that’s designed to be an end-to-end solution – at the consumers’ end, we solve their logistical nightmare of sending back returned items, while for the retailer, we can expedite the categorisation, quality assessment and decision-making regarding restocking, refurbishing or recycling.
“Our facilities enhance inventory management to reduce the likelihood of overstock or understock situations and the result is a ‘white glove’ returns-management experience. We’re also helping minimise the impact of the overall impact of returns on retailers’ bottom line.”
Across all retail, the average rate for returns is 17%, but for fashion/apparel online purchases – which Australians spent AU$9.6 billion on in 2023 – the returns rate rises to 30% (or roughly one-in-three items bought).
Shiperoo, the brainchild of highly respected supply chain technology entrepreneurs Nishan Wijemanne and Rizan Mawzoon, is determined to revolutionise the retail returns sector. It has invested heavily (AU$30 million) in sophisticated AI-powered software and state-of-the-art automation to enhance operational efficiency for retailers as well as better customer experiences.
Wijemanne said that the business and Australia Post share a passion for advancing sustainability and preventing unnecessary waste.
“Our mission is to address the growing challenges of returns, end-of-season stock, and excess inventory, all while preventing waste from ending up in landfill – which provides a ‘win-win’ for retailers, supply chain players, consumers and, ultimately the environment,” he said.
“We’re also seeking efficiencies and cost-savings for both physical retailers and eCommerce retailers, as well as environmental considerations through reCommerce.
Australia Post Executive General Manager, Parcel, Post and eCommerce Services, Gary Starr said the investment is part of Australia Post’s focus on being part of each step of the retail journey.
"Australia Post has decided to invest in Shiperoo as part of our focus on eCommerce services for Australian retailers and customers as competition grows,” he said.
“We recognise the importance of supporting state-of-the-art, contemporary fulfilment services to meet the changing needs of customers.
“We’re also deeply passionate about sustainability. Our partnership will aim to help reduce waste caused by pre-owned goods ending up in landfill through their returns and reCommerce expertise and ambition.
“ReCommerce and the circular economy are surging internationally, transforming the retail landscape. Shiperoo is well placed to help Australian businesses embrace these sustainable practices and the economic advantages of buying and selling pre-loved items."
Shiperoo’s experienced board comprises: Paul Greenberg – Chairman of the Board and founder of NORA, Nishan Wijemanne – CEO at Shiperoo; John King – former CEO of Myer, and online retail entrepreneur; and Gary Starr – Executive General Manager, Parcel, Post & eCommerce Services at Australia Post.
Online retail entrepreneurs Gabby Leibovich and Hezi Leibovich – who co-founded and have led multiple successful online businesses, including Catch.com.au and Eatnow (now Menulog) – continue as strategic advisors for reCommerce innovation at Shiperoo.
For more information on Shiperoo, visit shiperoo.com
About us:
About Shiperoo
Shiperoo is a visionary tech-led company transforming the landscape of retail returns and multichannel fulfilment in Australia and New Zealand. Founded by industry experts Nishan Wijemanne and Rizan Mawzoon, Shiperoo leverages decades of supply chain innovation to provide same-day, ready-to-ship solutions and cutting-edge, end-to-end returns management for retailers. With a significant AUD30 million investment in advanced automation, AI-powered software and strategically located urban facilities, Shiperoo is poised to meet the rapid delivery demands of both e-commerce and physical retail sectors. The company’s reCommerce solution for retail returns, driven by Gabby and Hezi Leibovich, addresses top retail challenges in returns, end-of-season stock, and excess inventory, offering retailers further revenue opportunities while adding significant value to sustainability goals and the circular economy.
Shiperoo is not just redefining the 3PL and reCommerce landscape, but is also reimagining the future of logistics, fulfilment and retail returns to be more integrated, augmented, and environmentally conscious.
Contact details:
Karen Strahan
Soda Communications
M: +61 417 361 465
Emily Stojcevski
Soda Communications
M: +61 409 552 913