M&S expands Zalando partnership to cut European delivery times
M&S announced details of a new logistics agreement with German e-commerce leader Zalando, following the latter’s Q3 results statement. The extended partnership is expected to reduce delivery times across continental Europe by up to three days.
New logistics model
Starting early next year, Zalando’s B2B logistics platform, ZEOS, will manage M&S’s entire direct-to-consumer online business on the continent. This transition marks a major expansion from their previous collaboration, which began in 2022 and covered only three European marketplaces — Zalando, About You, and Amazon.
Strategic growth and efficiency
The ZEOS operation will serve 21 European markets, enabling M&S to benefit from improved inventory integration and more efficient order management. According to M&S, the system will consolidate Fashion, Home, and Beauty products into a unified stock pool for smoother fulfillment.
“Creating one single stock pool as well as an advanced order management system for Fashion, Home & Beauty products,” the company said.
Rising online performance
M&S reported strong online growth in the last quarter, noting that sales through Zalando increased by 131% compared with the previous year. The company considers Zalando an essential logistics partner in unlocking its continental European potential.
Growing UK presence on Zalando
Zalando maintains similar logistical collaborations with other major UK retailers, including Next, reflecting a wider trend among British companies leveraging Zalando’s infrastructure to expand their European market reach.
Author’s summary: M&S is deepening its Zalando partnership through ZEOS to serve 21 European markets faster and strengthen its growing digital sales presence across the continent.