Zalando trumps forecast by 'accelerating growth'
European e-commerce giant Zalando has delivered a "strong" first quarter by accelerating growth and improving profitability, successfully executing its Ecosystem Strategy.
During the first quarter of 2025, Zalando's revenue grew by 7.9% to €2.4 billion (£2.06 billion) compared with €2.2 billion (£1.89 billion) a year earlier, supported by its Marketing Services' "strong performance".
GMV increased 6.5% to €3.5 billion (£3.01 billion) while Adjusted EBIT rose to €46.7 million (£40.16 million) – in line with market expectations.
David Schroeder, Co-CEO of Zalando, said: "Our ecosystem strategy is progressing well, and customers and partners are embracing our expanding offerings.
"Growth in B2C accelerated due to a successful end-of-season sale, a promising start to the spring/summer season supported by the continued roll-out of our updated loyalty program Zalando Plus and a new high of active customers. In B2B, we are delighted to see a continuation of our double-digit growth trajectory as we are working to advance our ZEOS offering with a particular focus on logistics and software solutions this year.”
Within the B2C growth vector, the company saw revenues rise by 7.6%. The number of active customers increased to 52.4 million, up 2.9 million compared to the year prior, reaching an all time record.
Zalando continued to roll out the updated loyalty programme Zalando Plus, which is now live in 13 markets, with over 15% of customers already enrolled. Zalando’s ultimate ambition is to serve the majority of customers with this programme and to increase their average order frequency.
In B2B, Zalando has continued opening up its logistics infrastructure, software and service capabilities to third-party brands. In this sector, revenue grew by 11.6% to €240 million (£206.4 million) and adjusted EBIT came in at €5.8 million (£4.99 million).
Looking ahead, Zalando confirmed its full year guidance for 2025, despite a fast-changing geopolitical and macro-economic environment. It expects both GMV and revenue to grow between 4% to 9% compared to the year prior and adjusted EBIT to reach a level between €530 million (£455.8 million) and €590 million (£507.4 million).
However, the company said that the guidance does not account for the effects of the planned acquisition of About You, which it acquired in December to accelerate its efforts to build the leading fashion and lifestyle e-commerce ecosystem. The e-tailer entered an agreement to acquire German fashion e-tailer About You to "better serve the needs of customers and partners".
