Zalando

Zalando SE is a publicly listed German online retailer headquartered in Berlin, specializing in shoes, fashion, cosmetics, and accessories. Founded in 2008 by David Schneider and Robert Gentz, the company now serves over 50 million active customers across 25 European markets.

Zalando operates multiple business lines, including its main e-commerce platform, private-label brands, twelve physical outlet stores in Germany, and logistics and marketing services for third-party retailers through Zalando Marketing Services (ZMS).

History

Zalando was established in 2008 by Robert Gentz and David Schneider with backing from the Samwer brothers’ investment vehicle. Inspired by the U.S. online shoemaker Zappos, the name combines "zapatos" (Spanish for shoes) with the founders’ earlier venture "alando."

In 2009, Zalando expanded into Austria and broadened its product range to include apparel. By 2010, it led Europe’s online shoe market, though it posted a €20 million loss that year. The company launched in Switzerland in 2011. Revenue exceeded €500 million in 2011, with ongoing losses driven by heavy marketing spend.

Initial logistics hubs opened in Großbeeren (2012), Brieselang, and Erfurt. A logistics centre in Mönchengladbach followed. As losses grew (€92 million in 2012), the firm scaled back advertising spend.

Corporate development

In December 2013, Zalando transitioned from a GmbH to a stock corporation (AG). It restructured as a Societas Europaea (SE) in 2014 and went public in October 2014, raising €605 million at €21.50 per share.

Key moves:

• 2012: Launch of Zalando Lounge shopping club.
• 2015: Acquired Bread & Butter brand; opened Dublin and Helsinki tech hubs.
• 2018: Entered beauty segment; opened Beauty Station in Berlin.
• 2020: COVID-19 cost-cutting programme (€350 million); partnered with Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield to support mall retailers.
• 2020: Acquired ETH spinoff Fision; launched second-hand fashion pilot.
• 2021: Listed on the DAX; benefited from lockdown-driven e-commerce surge.
• 2023: Added toys to core shops; saw first decline in active customers.
• December 2024: Announced acquisition of About You (73% stake) for over €1 billion.
• January 2025: Returns window shortened from 100 to 30 days in major markets.

Shareholders

At IPO (2014), major pre-IPO backers included Rocket Internet (38%), Kinnevik (26%), Mail.Ru (9%), and others. Post-IPO, free float represents the majority; the Samwer family remains a significant anchor investor.

See also

• Economy of Berlin