Marks & Spencer uses Zalando’s B2B unit to fulfill European orders

British department store giant Marks & Spencer (M&S) has extended its partnership with Zalando, using the multi-brand platform’s B2B logistics unit to fulfill its orders across continental Europe. Zalando’s Zeos division will now take over M&S’ online direct business in the region and deliver orders in 21 markets.

The current agreement builds on the existing collaboration between Zalando and M&S, with the latter first collaborating with Zalando Fulfillment Solutions (ZFS) in 2022. Through this partnership, ZFS monitors orders for M&S products placed directly via Zalando, About You and Amazon. As a result, M&S is experiencing strong online growth, particularly through Zalando, where online sales increased by 131 percent year-on-year.

By extending its partnership with Zalando, M&S hopes to further expand its international business – a plan that is already being pursued through various strategic partners. The deal with Zeos, expected to launch early next year, is expected to increase sales by a further 30 percent while reducing logistics costs, improving profit margins and enabling faster deliveries and returns for European customers.

In a statement, Mark Lemming, managing director international at M&S, said the focus on “bigger, better partnerships” comes after a refocus of the retailer’s international business for global growth. Lemming added: “Our partnership with Zalando has helped us expand our online growth over the last three years, and now we are taking the next step by leveraging Zeos’ operational infrastructure to further expand our online business in Europe.”