Open its platform to others
Zalando currently has the capability to deliver within a few hours in Berlin and Cologne, two cities where it has distribution centers. Customers can even get a free upgrade to such a speedy delivery when the items are in stock at the distribution centers.
Co-founder Robert Gentz says Zalando has to get rid of its closed system and present other retailers the opportunity to sell its items on Zalando as well. That would mean Zalando would become more like other online marketplaces, like Bol.com.
“Our customers sometimes discover something on our website and want to have it as soon as possible, for the price mentioned on the site. They do not care whether the item is from our distribution center or from the store around the corner”, Gentz told German paper Berliner Morgenpost. “We have to act as an intermediary between that store around the corner and the customer.”
Gentz added Zalando has no plans to open physical brick&mortar stores, but would rather want to become a sales platform for the entire fashion industry.
