Working with partners

All the brands and retailers we work with have different approaches, requirements and capabilities. Our partners can connect in different ways to the Zalando platform; the first being our wholesale proposition, where we buy stock to resell; the second, our Partner Program, where brands and retailers directly connect their warehouse inventory; and the third, Connected Retail, which links physical stores to the platform. In addition, we offer the extra services of Zalando Marketing Services (ZMS) and Zalando Logistics Solutions and Lounge by Zalando. We make Zalando’s digital and logistical capabilities available to brands and retailers, leveraging our data to empower their digital strategies, connecting stock to unlimited demand across various platforms.

Connecting brands and retailers with 50 million customers through Partner Program

The Partner Program puts brands and retailers in the driver's seat when it comes to steering their business with Zalando. Via a dedicated partner portal, partners retain control over the assortment, prices and brand representation to grow their businesses and maximize sales on Zalando. The partner portal allows partners to integrate their stock with Zalando’s platform and smoothly onboard new articles while providing them with the necessary data to understand their performance. Partners can see how customers interact with their products, how products sell across markets and categories, allowing them to identify potential areas for improvement. In return, the relevant assortment and product availability excites and extends Zalando’s customer base. 

Data-driven marketing with ZMS

Zalando Marketing Services (ZMS) is the 360° partner-facing marketing unit of Zalando that connects brands to consumers across Europe. The company provides advertisers with access to in-depth consumer insights and understanding of their customers, develops creative content powered by data, and executes large-scale media campaigns on Zalando and beyond, across 25 European markets. ZMS works with hundreds of fashion labels, as well as international sports and beauty brands, and creative agencies.

Order Fulfillment with Zalando Logistics Solutions

Through our B2B services – Zalando Fulfillment Solutions (ZFS), Zalando Return Solutions (ZRS) and Zalando Shipping Solutions (ZSS) – we offer our partners access to Zalando’s logistics infrastructure. Partners profit from our fulfillment expertise, which is tailored to fashion and lifestyle, as Zalando takes over the complex B2C fulfillment process, from inbound to returns processing. This allows brands and retailers to have even more impact and internationalize easily across Zalando’s markets. Customers benefit from added convenience – such as consolidated orders, one parcel principle, and straightforward returns, as well as ultimately access to an even larger assortment.

ZEOS: An operating system unlocking Europe’s full potential.

Established in 2023, ZEOS is developing tools that allow brands and retailers to manage their multi-channel business in one place. ZEOS helps fashion & lifestyle industry players unlock Europe’s full potential by enabling seamless e-commerce across the continent: from new market entry and expansion to optimization and business steering. The first ZEOS product is called ZEOS Fulfilment. It gives brands and retailers the ability to fulfil their multi-channel sales using one stock pool, one carrier integration, and one user interface. ZEOS Fulfilment takes advantage of Zalando’s extensive infrastructure spanning 23 European markets, 12 fulfilment and 20 return centres, over 40 carrier partnerships, and 165 localised delivery and returns services.

Digitizing Store Inventory with Connected Retail

Connected Retail builds a bridge between physical retail and the Zalando platform, providing stores with easy access to millions of customers in Europe online. Stores only need an internet connection, a POS system, a logistics contract and a printer. Zalando takes care of the software, online content, payment services, customer service and support. 

For Zalando customers, Connected Retail allows for the discovery of new brands and local suppliers, while keeping the high level of convenience they are used to from Zalando, in terms of shipping, returns and customer service. Local customers can also use a filter to search for items that are shipped directly from shops in their country. ZMS support is also available for Connected Retail partners.

Attracting new customers and managing overstock with Lounge by Zalando

Lounge by Zalando is a compelling shopping club where members can browse through a selection of fashion and lifestyle products, discounted up to 75%. Lounge by Zalando is the perfect platform for brand partners to simultaneously clear overstock and attract new customers looking for great deals, while also protecting their brand equity, as sales are only visible to Lounge by Zalando members. Upcoming sales are not openly featured in the marketing communication, unless given permission by the brands. Currently, Lounge by Zalando is available in 17 countries, with more markets to follow soon.