Leading German footwear and fashion e-retailer Zalando, known for offering free delivery andfree returns, is expanding into Nordic markets using PostNord as its logistics partner and is
developing new logistics facilities for pan-European distribution.The Berlin-based company, funded by private equity, has grown rapidly into one of the largeste-commerce sites in Germany over the last few years and has launched an ambitious Europeanexpansion drive. It aims to double its 2011 revenues of €500 million this year and establish itselfas Europe’s largest e-retailer for fashion and footwear.
Zalando established itself on the Nordic market during summer 2012 by launching online shops inSweden, Denmark, Finland and Norway and has selected PostNord as its logistics partner for theNordic region. Founded in 2008, Zalando is now active in 14 European markets, with openings thisyear in Belgium, Spain and Poland as well as the four Nordic countries.
This week the e-commerce group also expanded in Germany with the opening of the first phase of a€170 million new logistics centre in Erfurt, Thuringia. The 120,000 sqm warehouse will be used tostore the company’s goods and for outbound distribution. Zalando is currently also constructing a75,000 sqm logistics facility at Mönchengladbach in North Rhine Westphalia that is due to open nextyear. The company plans to distribute goods to all its European markets from the two logisticscentres in future.
Highlighting the PostNord cooperation, Michael Lindskog, Head of Nordic at Zalando, said: “Wehave found a satisfactory logistics solution that meets our exacting requirements in relation toquality and flexibility. We’re looking forward to being able to attract customers in the Nordiccountries with our broad product range and the unique service that we offer.”
Zalando already has an important link to Sweden as its largest investor is Investment ABKinnevik, which owns 35% directly and through another company.
Max Ahlstedt, Nordic Sales Manager at PostNord, added: “We’re proud to be logistics provider toone of Europe’s leading online stores. With our Nordic logistics services and over 4,500 deliverypoints across the Nordic region we will be contributing to an effective solution that will lead tosatisfied customers for Zalando.”
PostNord said it has strengthened its position in recent years on the rapidly expanding Nordice-commerce market. This is largely down to the possibility for individuals across the Nordic regionto collect the items they have ordered online from their nearest grocery store. PostNord now has1,600 delivery points in Sweden, 800 in Denmark, 1,000 in Norway and 1,100 in Finland.
