Zalando reshapes logistics network, creating more value for customers and partners

Zalando is actively reshaping its pan-European logistics network to further strengthen its position in the European fashion and lifestyle market. We’ll adjust our setup to continue offering our best-in-class services at affordable rates to both our customers and partners, significantly increasing the value we create for them and thereby helping Zalando accelerate growth in the years to come. 

We always strive to create the best, fit-for-purpose setup to seize the market opportunities ahead of us. Over the past months, we have thoroughly reviewed our pan-European logistics network and developed a plan to adjust capacities in the combined Zalando and ABOUT YOU network in line with business demand and to future-proof our setup. 

As a result, we have made the difficult but necessary decision to close our fulfilment centre in Erfurt, Germany, planned for the end of September 2026. In addition, we will discontinue operations at three warehouses outside Germany that external service providers operate for Zalando and ABOUT YOU.

Our commitment to provide clarity and support

We haven’t taken this decision lightly. We are tremendously grateful for the contributions of every team member, and we deeply regret the impact these decisions will have on our colleagues.

Our priority is a fair, respectful process. In Erfurt, where we are the employer, we are committed to maintaining an open dialogue with our employees, their representatives, and all our partners. We will immediately begin negotiations with the Erfurt Works Council on a Balance of Interests and a Social Plan. Together with external experts, we have developed a comprehensive set of structured support offers to assist our employees in this transition with integrity and compassion.

For over a decade, a dedicated team of around 2,700 Zalandos in Erfurt has been a core part of our success story and a crucial part of our logistics backbone. We feel connected to Erfurt and the region and are committed to working with local authorities and civil society organisations to mitigate the impact.

Investing in a stronger tomorrow

We will continue to invest in cutting-edge logistics technology, automation, and more sustainable practices across our pan-European logistics network as we implement our ecosystem strategy. 

This allows us to innovate faster and serve our customers and partners even better, with our logistics network being a key enabler of Zalando’s growth story. Our planned changes to the network ensure that we can continue to create value and grow as planned, in line with our existing mid-term growth targets of 5 to 10 percent Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) for both Gross Merchandise Volume (GMV) and revenue. 

With the outlined adjustments, our Zalando Group logistics network will comprise 14 fulfilment centres across 7 countries.

Our network has been evolving since its start. What began in 2008 with only shelf storage in our first office on Berlin’s Torstraße has grown into a pan-European logistics network serving more than 60 million customers across 29 markets. Logistics is a long-term endeavour with years-long planning horizons. We have been adapting since the beginning, and past adjustments often involved building new sites, upgrading existing sites, streamlining processes or closing smaller partner-operated sites. 

Now, we take the next, more significant structural step as we strive to build the best, fit-for-purpose setup to seize market opportunities ahead. Following the successful teaming up between Zalando and ABOUT YOU, we are focusing on building an integrated and scalable platform that supports our growth ambition for our B2B and B2C businesses. 

This will enable more flexible stock holding and universal order fulfilment, driving seamless operations, reduced complexities, increased efficiencies and enhanced speed across our logistics network with significant benefits for customers and partners: whether we fulfil orders for Zalando, ABOUT YOU, or any partner working with ZEOS Fulfilment, our logistics solution powering fashion and lifestyle brands and retailers across Europe.