German Zalando and Danish Bestseller have joined forces in a joint venture, called FashionTrade.com, to supply the Bestseller chains.
Virtual showroom
Bestseller had already founded the company two years ago, but has now sold exactly half of the shares to Zalando for an undisclosed fee and the German online retailer will also invest in the online platform. Bestseller, which owns chains like Jack & Jones and Vero Moda, is also a Zalando shareholder. The joint venture’s virtual showroom will no longer only serve Bestseller’s chains, but also be available to other fashion companies. These can now also order clothes on the platform if they so desire.
“Digitising the wholesale experience and connecting brands and retailers in a simple online solution holds a great potential for the future of B2B fashion”, says Anders Holch Povlsen, Bestseller’s owner. “That’s why we are pleased to welcome Zalando and their expertise into this partnership.” “Fashion sellers and purchase managers often have to travel across Europe to see and buy collections”, a Zalando spokesperson added. “Soon, we will offer them a virtual showroom and the opportunity to instantly buy collections.”
There are also several opportunities every year to see FashionTrade’s collections live, including in the World Fashion Center in Amsterdam. Bestseller’s eCommerce offices are also located in Amsterdam, although they will move to the top floor of a former V&D store, between the Kalverstraat and Spui, next year.
