The Digital-First Approach!
Lessons from a “ tech company that does fashion”
I recall being in Munich when Zalando launched its first ad and product category—shoes—in 2011. Fast forward to 2014, and I witnessed the genesis of About You in Hamburg. Here we are in 2024: these juggernauts share one thing in common: digital technology is the core of their infrastructure across all business units. " A Tech business that does fashion "
As we end the year and finalize budgets for 2025, let’s keep these key points in mind with Zalando ABOUT YOU partnership as an example
1. Focus on Synergies: Identify and leverage synergies in logistics, payments, and commercial partnerships. Combining strengths can lead to greater efficiency and innovation.
2. Dual-Brand Strategy: Consider maintaining distinct brand identities while offering unique experiences. This approach allows you to cater to different customer segments effectively.
3. Invest in Technology: Invest in advanced technology to streamline operations and improve customer experiences. Ensure that your digital technology decisions impact every of your business, from order entry, purchasing, product development, retail, trade, to supply.
4. Value Creation: Plan for substantial value-creation opportunities. Identify and capitalize on these opportunities to drive long-term growth.
5. Cultural Fit: Ensure alignment in values and vision with your partners. A strong cultural fit and complementary capabilities are crucial for successful collaboration.
Digital-First Mindset:
1. It starts with the customer and the ecosystem your business has.
2. Are you clear on how every digital tech decision impacts your business, from order entry to supply chain?
3. When planning a digital transformation, ensure your tech implementations are timely.
4. Plan for the tech and simplicity of the future now.
5. Implement, iterate, and improve continuously.
#digital #innovation #tech #customer #transformation #zalando #aboutyou #ecommerce #b2b #b2c
![View organization page for Zalando, graphic]()
Zalando and ABOUT YOU are teaming up 🤝
We announced great news today: Zalando and ABOUT YOU are teaming up, with Zalando making a voluntary public tender offer to acquire up to 100% of ABOUT YOU 's share capital. This partnership will enable us to better serve our customers and partners with combined B2C and B2B offerings and lead the way in European fashion and lifestyle e-commerce.
This combination brings together two founder-led companies with complementary capabilities, unlocking new value-creating opportunities. The combined group will drive a dual brand strategy in B2C with two distinct shopping experiences, and create a unified platform in B2B, leveraging the combined logistics infrastructure, software and service offerings across Europe.
Together with ABOUT YOU, we are also committed to be an enabler of positive change for a more sustainable and inclusive future for the fashion and lifestyle industry.
Read more about the strategic partnership here: https://zln.do/4fb4XzK
#ZalandoAndABOUTYOU #Ecommerce #Fashion #Lifestyle
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International Executive Leader | Driving Growth & Transformation Across Global Markets
8moThanks for sharing, Anna Drobakha As someone passionate about the fashion industry, I find Zalando's latest strategy presentation intriguing. While their expansion into ie. B2B, kids, and lifestyle segments is undoubtedly exciting, it's crucial to recognize the potential challenges ahead. The B2B space, in particular, presents stiff competition from established global players, and capturing parents' brand loyalty in the kids' fashion market won't be easy. Moreover, as someone who values brand identity, I can't help but wonder how Zalando plans to maintain its core identity amidst lifestyle diversification. Managing a broader range of products introduces operational complexities like inventory management and logistics, which require strategic execution and cross-departmental orchestration. As they navigate these hurdles, I believe that clear communication, collaboration, and a shared vision across departments will be important for Zalando's success .