Zalando Logo

In the heart of Berlin, back in 2008, Zalando sprouted from the collective vision of Robert Gentz and David Schneider. Initially setting foot in e-commerce as an online footwear destination catering to European consumers, the company rapidly branched out. Before long, their product line burgeoned to include apparel, accessories, and beauty essentials, the result of alliances with notable brands.

The enterprise’s potential caught the eye of several investment titans, with names like Investment AB Kinnevik and DST Global infusing capital in its nascent stages. Taking brand control a notch higher, Zalando introduced its private labels in 2011 and, in the following year, established its maiden brick-and-mortar outlet.

2014 was a watershed year for Zalando as it went public, boasting a staggering €5 billion valuation. This bolstered its ambitious European expansion endeavors. The brand, over time, metamorphosed from a mere online retailer to a holistic fashion and lifestyle nexus, leaning heavily into technological enhancements. Acquisitions, including that of Kreativmarkt and Fision, enriched its offerings, while significant investments were channeled towards optimizing logistics.

Today, Zalando’s footprint spans more than 25 European nations, delighting over 51 million engaged customers. With a revenue benchmark of €10.3 billion as of 2022 and a robust workforce of over 16,000, it proudly stands as Europe’s premier online fashion behemoth. This makes it a formidable contender in the ring, rubbing shoulders with ASOS, H&M, and Inditex.