Zalando: “Strong growth requires nonstop investment”
Online fashion retailer Zalando reported a rise in revenue of 23% for 2016 – and indicated that it will continue investing in its technology and logistics infrastructure to keep its 2017 revenue growth in 20-25% range. “Strong growth requires nonstop investment. We are proud to have significantly progressed in expanding our business profitably,” said co-CEO Rubin Ritter, in a statement issued yesterday (1 March).
“As we build the technology and operating system to transform the European fashion industry, we will further invest into a unique and flawless consumer experience and a stronger supplier proposition to continue to drive growth ahead of the market. At the same time, we plan to expand our team by creating more than 2,000 new jobs this year.”
The group’s 2016 revenues totalled €3,639m, up from €2,958m in 2015. Adjusted EBIT was €216.3m, up from €107.5m.
The company claimed that is growth is “enabled by its technology and operations infrastructure”, adding: “The number of employees in Zalando’s technology team has increased from 1,000 in 2015 to more than 1,600. Its pan-European logistics network will expand into 20,000-30,000 m² warehouses in France and Sweden as well as a 130,000 m² logistics center in Poland.”
