Zalando considers entry into homeware market

Online fashion retailer Zalando is considering expanding its offering with soft furnishings such as bedding and blankets. “We still see potential for growth, for example in the soft furnishings and home decor market, but we haven’t got concrete plans yet,” David Schneider, co-founder and board member, told Welt on Monday.

Zalando is not only looking at new markets and product categories, it is also trying to expand its platform through partnerships with other merchants. “For example, through our partner programme or by opening our logistics infrastructure to even more brand partners,” Schneider said.

Commenting on the company’s performance in the final quarter of 2018, the manager showed cautious optimism. “We are feeling positive.” Schneider expects that, because of the extended summer this year, sales of winter clothing will be delayed. With sales up 11.7% in the third quarter, Zalando grew at a slower pace than before and announced a loss of almost 40 million euros in the current financial year.