Zalando has shared its performance for the first quarter of 2025, and the results are looking promising. With noticeable growth in both its business-to-consumer (B2C) and business-to-business (B2B) sectors, it’s clear that the German e-commerce giant is making strides in a competitive market.
During this quarter, Zalando’s gross merchandise volume (GMV) rose by 6.5% to reach an impressive €3.5 billion. Similarly, the company’s revenue saw a solid boost, climbing 7.9% to €2.4 billion. Adjusted EBIT also grew, landing at €46.7 million, with margins improving by 0.7 percentage points to sit at 1.9%. These numbers reflect not only growth but also efficient management and strategy in a challenging economic environment.
A significant driver of this success has been strong momentum in their B2C segment. Zalando benefited from successful end-of-season sales, alongside a robust start to the spring/summer season. The active customer base expanded to 52.4 million, an increase of 2.9 million compared to the previous year. The company also noted the positive response to its revamped loyalty program, Zalando Plus, which is now accessible in 13 markets, boasting enrollment of over 15% of its customer base.
In the B2B segment, Zalando retains its upward trajectory, reporting an 11.6% revenue increase to €240 million. This growth can be largely attributed to its ZEOS fulfillment services, which have become integral to the business. Notably, ZEOS has partnered with TikTok Shop, emerging as its preferred logistics partner for fashion and lifestyle merchants in Germany, France, and Italy. This collaboration is a testament to Zalando’s commitment to innovation and adaptation in the ever-evolving e-commerce landscape.
Co-CEO David Schroeder reflected on the company’s performance, stating, “Our ecosystem strategy is progressing well, and customers and partners are embracing our expanding offerings. In B2C, we saw accelerated growth, driven by our successful end-of-season sale and a strong start to the spring/summer season. In B2B, we’re seeing continued double-digit growth, with a focus on advancing ZEOS.” His insights underscore the company’s robust strategy of integrating diverse offerings that cater to a wide range of audiences.
Because of these strong results, Zalando has affirmed its full-year guidance for 2025, projecting GMV and revenue growth between 4% and 9%, alongside an adjusted EBIT forecast ranging from €530 million to €590 million. This optimistic outlook further illustrates Zalando’s resilience and adaptability in an ever-changing market landscape, reassuring stakeholders of its solid foundation and potential for future growth.
In sum, Zalando’s performance not only indicates a thriving customer demand but also illustrates the effectiveness of a well-executed strategy across both consumer and business sectors. The company’s foresight in enhancing its services and expanding its reach places it in a strong position for continued success, paving the way for an exciting year ahead in the world of e-commerce.
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