M&S has signed a partnership agreement with fashion retailer Zalando’s B2B unit, Zeos, to fulfil its online direct-to-consumer orders across continental Europe, covering 21 markets.

The food and fashion specialist initially partnered with Zalando fulfilment solutions (ZFS) in 2022 for its marketplace business in Europe, for orders placed directly via Zalando, About You and Amazon. 

M&S noted that it had seen rapid growth online during its last quarter, with Zalando sales rising 131% from last year. 

The new agreement will allow M&S to take advantage of Zeos’ inventory efficiency, creating a single stock pool and an advanced order management system for fashion, home and beauty goods sold in Europe from early next year. 

By optimising Zeos’ local fulfilment network, the customer shopping experience online will also be improved with faster delivery and returns processes, reducing delivery times by up to 2 to 3 days, the business said.

It noted that Zeos’ operational infrastructure was set to support M&S’ online growth, delivering an expected sales rise of up to 30%, whilst reducing logistics costs by up to half and improving operating margins. 

M&S managing director of international Mark Lemming said: “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. 

“Our partnership with Zalando supported us as we begun to scale our online growth over the last three years and now we’re taking the next step, leveraging Zeos’ operational infrastructure to scale our online business in Europe further. 

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

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