Zara is set to launch an e-commerce site tomorrow (2nd September), which will offer customers the option of 48-hour delivery.
The site will be launched in the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal and Spain initially, but parent company Inditex plans to extend the online store to other markets where Zara is present.
The retailer has been able to use its supply chain expertise as a competitive weapon in the high street, but has been slow to take its offer online.
It announced the e-commerce initiative in September last year. Competitors will be watching carefully to see what supply chain innovations it can bring to the online retail market.
As well as express delivery, customers will be able to pick goods up from a Zara store free of charge, or choose standard home delivery.
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Merchandise will be shipped in an environmentally-friendly package which has been customised for each delivery, according to the high street retailer.
If goods need to be exchanged or returned for refund customers can choose a home pick up service or take merchandise to a Zara store – both of which is free of charge.
All products will be sold at the same prices found in store, through an easy-to-use website, accessible from both computers and mobile handsets.
Inditex deputy chairman and CEO Pablo Isla said: “Internet and the world of social networking are indispensable tools and extraordinary channels for communication, and fit perfectly with our group’s philosophy.”
Zara has been commended in the past for its concept of “fast fashion” logistics which sees products turn around from nine to 30 days in order to keep customers interested.
