Zalando maintains growth, narrows full-year outlook

The Germany-based online retailer continued to grow in the second quarter of 2026, supported by its multi-app strategy, B2B expansion and the integration of About You, while tempering its full-year expectations
In the first quarter of the 2026 financial year, Zalando’s gross merchandise volume (GMV) increased by 20.7% year-on-year to reach 4.9 billion euros on a reported basis. Group revenue also rose during this period, by 20.8% year-on-year, reaching 3.4 billion euros.
According to the statement, the company’s multi-app approach was key to its B2C performance in the second quarter. GMV increased across all three consumer apps: Zalando, ABOUT YOU and Lounge by Zalando and active customers reached a new high of 62.5 million, an increase of 18.3%, driven by the inclusion of About You and its own growth. B2C revenue rose by 20.3% year-on-year to 3.1 billion euros.
Meanwhile, Zalando’s B2B arm recorded a strong quarter as the company expanded its ZEOS operating system, opening its logistics, software and services to brands and retailers both on and off its platform. Revenue increased by 27.6% year-on-year to 335 million euros.

“Our fast-scaling AI capabilities are already delivering measurable benefits in driving both growth and efficiency across B2C and B2B”, said Robert Gentz, Co-CEO of Zalando. “Innovations like our AI-powered SCAYLE STUDIOS and the upgraded Zalando Assistant are fundamentally transforming how our partners operate and how our customers discover fashion”, he emphasised.
In the second quarter of this year, adjusted EBIT increased by 10% compared to the same period in 2025, totalling 205 million euros. Synergies from the About You acquisition contributed more than 10 million euros to this figure. The 6.0% margin reflects the consolidation of ABOUT YOU, which was acquired last year, while Zalando’s stand-alone margin improved to 6.6% during the period.
“The resilience of our profitability reflects the quality and mix of our earnings, including the shift toward our higher-margin partner business and retail media, B2B scaling, and disciplined cost management supported by AI”, commented Anna Dimitrova, CFO of Zalando.
Full-Year Outlook
For the 2026 financial year, Zalando now expects GMV and revenue growth, on a reported basis, in the lower half of its previous range of 12% to 17%, in line with market expectations. The full-year adjusted EBIT guidance has been narrowed from 660 million to 740 million euros to between 680 million and 720 million euros.Image Credits: retail-week.com
Illustration: Sofia Pádua















