Online retailer Zalando is offering its Connected Retail program to German- and Netherlands-based physical retailers to maintain sales amid COVID-19-related store closures.
With the program, physical retailers can connect to the Zalando platform and sell their products directly to online customers. Some 1,500 brick-and-mortar stores in Germany and Netherlands are already connected to the platform and generate a relevant share of revenues from Connected Retail, Zalando says.
The Connected Retail program is a relatively young business and still in the ramp-up phase, Zalando says. However, the company decided to quickly develop its operations to provide physical retailers with access to online demand now.
Zalando has developed a dedicated offering for German and Netherlands-based retailers and brands that starts on April 1 and remains valid at least until May 31. The offering is based on a first-come, first-serve program.
The company will waive commission for all new and existing Connected Retail partners in order to help them offset the risk of financial loss. Retailers pay zero commission to Zalando for the time of the lockdown and only cover logistics costs.
Zalando will also pay out Connected Retail revenues to partners on a weekly basis to help with their liquidity situation.
The platform is open to every retailer and brand with physical stores as long as they offer products sold on Zalando.
Zalando will provide the online content, payment service, customer care and dedicated support through a personal counterpart for its partners.