Companies

AI expansion and About You acquisition drive Zalando’s first-quarter growth

May 8, 2026 Germany

The online fashion retailer posted solid first-quarter results, driven by AI efficiencies, growth in the number of active customers, and the early integration of synergies from the acquisition of About You

“Our strong first quarter demonstrates the strength of our strategy. We are very satisfied with the progress we’re making in strategically scaling AI innovations and integrating About You”, said Robert Gentz, Co-CEO of Zalando.

He added: “Our unique data and infrastructure that we built over 17 years - including the richest fashion-specific data in Europe and the continent’s leading logistics network for fashion and lifestyle - are a massive advantage when supercharged with AI”.

During the first quarter, Zalando expanded its use of AI across customer experience, logistics and operations. Nearly 10 million customers have already used the Zalando Assistant for beauty recommendations this year. Meanwhile, AI-powered robotics and automated product onboarding have improved operational efficiency, scalability and time-to-market for partners.

First-Quarter Results

In the first quarter of the 2026 financial year, Zalando’s GMV increased by 6% pro forma and 21.7% reported to reach 4.3 billion euros, compared to the same period last year. Meanwhile, revenue increased by 3.4% on a pro-forma basis and by 23.8% on a reported basis, reaching 3 billion euros.

The company’s adjusted EBIT increased by 38.7% year-on-year in the first quarter, reaching 65 million euros. Adjusted EBIT margin improved from 1.9% to 2.2%. This was supported by 10 million euros in synergies from the ABOUT YOU acquisition before integration costs were considered and the company is on track to reach its 2026 guidance target of 40 million euros.

The B2C segment contributed 2.7 billion euros to total revenue, up from 2.2 billion euros in the first quarter of 2025. Zalando reported strong pro-forma growth across all three consumer apps, resulting in a new high of 62.3 million active customers, close to a 10 million year-on-year increase. Meanwhile, Zalando’s loyalty programme continued to deepen customer engagement, with membership growing to 18.5 million Plus members.

Zalando’s B2B segment achieved significant growth and enhanced profitability, with sales surging by 23.6% year-on-year to 297 million euros and adjusted EBIT rising to 26 million. During the period, the company reinforced its position as a cross-border e-commerce infrastructure provider in Europe by expanding its ZEOS platform, launching pilot partners in Norway and adding two new sales channels.

For the 2026 financial year, Zalando has confirmed its guidance, projecting growth in gross merchandise value (GMV) and revenue of between 12% and 17% on a reported basis, and adjusted earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) of between 660 million and 740 million euros.

Image Credits: news.europawire.eu

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