In the last two years, consumer behavior has changed rapidly, with more and more shoppers going online, and this trend is set to continue. The Statista Digital Outlook Report projects that the proportion of the population shopping online will continue to rise to 45.2% by 2025, compared to 33% in 2021. This means that the integration of online commerce alongside conventional commerce more important than ever to provide a seamless customer experience.
First launched in October 2018, Connected Retail by Zalando connects physical retail stores to the Zalando platform quickly, easily and with no connection costs. The program is now available in 13 of Zalando’s 23 European markets: Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Austria, France, Belgium, Switzerland and most recently Italy.
More than 6,000 stores have already joined Connected Retail, from small local brands and retailers to large department stores and direct selling brands. They have all connected their physical inventory to the Zalando platform to build a risk-free, cost-effective omnichannel strategy.
Make 2022 a success story with Connected Retail by Zalando
Connected Retail enables retailers to start selling online without upfront costs or expensive system integrations. Zalando offers online content, software, customer support, payment options and personal account managers – all tailored to support retailers looking to expand their shop on the leading online fashion platform in Europe.
This collaborative approach can help brands and retailers increase sales by up to 60 percent, depending on store size, while creating broader choice and building a larger online presence. Some retailers are even seeing a 100 percent increase in inventory turnover.
Not only has online shopping increased dramatically, but it shows no signs of stopping. According to FEVAD’s 2021 e-commerce report, independent retailers selling online grew by 52% in Germany and France, compared to 39% for companies offering physical sales only. It is therefore advisable that retailers and brands now start thinking about how to accelerate their omnichannel strategy and integrate their physical inventory online.
Connected Retail is an innovative offering that gives brands and retailers full control over what they sell and for how much. At the same time, they increase online visibility and generate additional income.
If you would like to learn more about how Connected Retail by Zalando can support the growth of your physical store, click here: www.connectedretail.de