Marks & Spencer (M&S) has partnered with ZEOS, the B2B unit of online retailer Zalando, to fulfil its online direct-to-customer orders across 21 European markets.

The British retailer said the agreement will create a single stock pool and an advanced order management system for fashion and home & beauty products sold in Europe from early next year.

M&S said that access to the local fulfilment network will improve the online customer shopping experience because of faster delivery and returns processes which will cut delivery times by two to three days.

The move builds on an existing partnership with Zalando Fulfilment Solutions (ZFS) which launched in 2022 for its marketplace business in Europe. The collaboration covers orders placed directly through Zalando, About You and Amazon.

In the past quarter, M&S has seen rapid growth online, with Zalando sales increasing by 131 per cent compared to last year.

The retailer said its aim is to build a global omnichannel business, utilising the expertise and infrastructure of strategic partners, through simple, scalable operating models, which are capital light.

The company added that Zalando’s operational infrastructure will support its online growth, delivering an expected sales uplift of up to 30 per cent, whilst also reducing logistics costs by up to half and improving operating margins.

“Having reset the international business to reshape M&S for global growth, we’re focusing on bigger, better partnerships, which enable us to bring the best of M&S to the world,” said Mark Lemming, managing director of international at M&S.

He went on to say that the new operational infrastructure will enable it to scale its online business in Europe further.

“This is a key strategic market where our trusted brand and stylish fashion, home & beauty offer resonates with customers,” continued Lemming.

In September, fellow British retailer FatFace launched on Zalando, entering into the German market.

The move is part of the clothing retailer’s strategy to expand its international multichannel offering.

Through the platform, FatFace said it will continue to grow its digital presence and launch in other markets across Europe.

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