The first two C&A stores that will be connected are in Antwerp (Meir) and Ghent (Korenmarkt). Bpost, Belgian company responsible for the delivery of national and international mail, will partner with Zalando for deliveries and parcel returns, Zalando said in a press release.

With Connected Retail, Belgian Zalando customers will be able to support their local stores by choosing ‘delivery from a store’ in the future. To support retailers in counterbalancing the effects of the pandemic, Zalando is reducing commissions until the end of the year and offering weekly payouts to support stores’ liquidity.

Connected Retail is a central part of Zalando’s platform strategy. Stores can easily connect their stock to the platform. Zalando provides the software to connect, online content, payment services, customer care, and dedicated support through a personal account manager and many other services.

“With Connected Retail, we have built a bridge for physical retail stores to sell directly to millions of Zalando customers. Lifestyle retailers in Belgium can start to sell within a few days, test the model without risk, and generate profitable growth,” says Carsten Keller, VP Direct to Consumer at Zalando and Managing Director of Connected Retail.

Mieke van Groningen, head of operations Benelux at C&A: “‘Anyplace, anytime’ – we want to be where our customers shop, both online and in our stores. Zalando’s Connected Retail solution as a platform for the modern and fashion-conscious consumer is a great addition to our own channels.”

By the end of the year, Zalando wants to onboard over 6,000 stores. Zalando will invest €50 million in Connected Retail in 2021. The Connected Retail network currently includes over 4,000 active stores in 12 European markets, the release said.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KD)