Zara (retailer)

{{Infobox company

| name = Zara

| logo = File:Zara Logo.svg

| image = Zara Storefront (48155639387).jpg

| image_upright = 1.15

| image_caption = Zara store in Midtown Manhattan

| type =

| industry = Retail

| fate =

| predecessor =

| successor =

| founded = {{start date and age |1975|df=yes}}
(as Zorba) in Spain

| founders = Amancio Ortega
Rosalía Mera

| defunct =

| location =

| locations = 2,007 stores[https://www.inditex.com/about-us/inditex-around-the-world#continent/000 inditex.com]

| area_served = Worldwide

| key_people =

| products = Clothing

| services =

| revenue = €19.586 billion (2021)

| operating_income =

| net_income =

| aum =

| assets =

| equity =

| owner =

| num_employees =

| parent = Inditex

| divisions =

| subsid =

| footnotes =

| location_country = Arteixo, Spain

| homepage = {{url|https://www.zara.com/|zara.com}}

}}{{Other uses|Zara (disambiguation)}}File:EMB258 Metalowy klips ZARA 11x16 mm. Eksponat Muzeum Miniaturowej Sztuki Profesjonalnej Henryk Jan Dominiak w Tychach.jpg of a tuxedo or suit jacket – ZARA, now on exhibit in the Muzeum Miniaturowej Sztuki Profesjonalnej Henryk Jan Dominiak in Tychy; 11 × 16 mm, made of metal.{{cite web| url =https://muzeumminiaturowejsztukiprofesjonalnejhenrykjandominiak.eu/wp/emb258-klips-metalowy-zara-hiszpanskie-przedsiebiorstwo/ |language = pl |title=EMB258 Klips metalowy ZARA – A identifier decoration – ZARA | access-date = 29 July 2024}}]]

Zara ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|z|ɑr|ə}}; {{IPA|es|ˈθaɾa|lang}}) is a fast fashion retail subsidiary of the Spanish multinational fashion design, manufacturing, and retailing group Inditex.{{cite news |url=http://www.economist.com/node/18333093 |title=Global stretch |date=10 March 2011| newspaper=The Economist |access-date=5 November 2015}} Zara sells clothing, accessories, beauty products and perfumes.{{Cite web |url=https://www.zara.com/us/ |title=ZARA United States {{!}} New Collection Online |website=www.zara.com |access-date=2019-07-27}} The head office is located at Arteixo in the province of A Coruña, Spain.{{cite web |url=http://www.businessinsider.de/fast-fashion-is-getting-faster-2017-5?r=US&IR=T |title=Zara is facing a massive threat that could jeopardize the business |website=businessinsider.de |date=23 May 2017 |access-date=13 March 2018 |archive-date=4 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171204222944/http://www.businessinsider.de/fast-fashion-is-getting-faster-2017-5?r=US&IR=T |url-status=dead }} In 2020 alone, it launched over twenty new product lines.{{Cite news |last=nguyen |first=terry |date=9 March 2022 |title=Fast fashion, explained |newspaper=Vox |url=https://www.vox.com/the-goods/2020/2/3/21080364/fast-fashion-h-and-m-zara |access-date=3 February 2020}}

History

=Early history=

Zara was established by Amancio Ortega Gaona in 1975. Their first shop was in central A Coruña, in Galicia, Spain, where the company is still based. They initially called it 'Zorba' after the classic 1964 film Zorba the Greek, but after learning there was a bar with the same name two blocks away, rearranged the letters to read 'Zara'. It is believed the extra 'a' came from an additional set of letters that had been made for the company.{{cite news |newspaper=The New York Times |date=9 November 2012 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/11/magazine/how-zara-grew-into-the-worlds-largest-fashion-retailer.html?pagewanted=1&_r=2&ref=magazine&adxnnlx=1352725405-jSS0/SqaGslCt/4JfgJjeg& |title=How Zara Grew Into the World's Largest Fashion Retailer |page=2 |first=Suzy |last=Hansen}}[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/11172562/How-Inditex-became-the-worlds-biggest-fashion-retailer.html How Zara became the world's biggest fashion retailer]. Graham Ruddick. 20 October 2015. Telegraph. accessed 5 April 2016. It sold low-priced lookalike products of popular, higher-end clothing fashions. He subsequently opened more shops in Spain. During the 1980s, Zara changed the design, manufacturing, and distribution process to reduce lead times and react more quickly to new trends – what Ortega called "instant fashions" – using information technology and groups of designers rather than individuals.{{Citation needed|date=September 2024}}

=Expansion=

The first shop outside Spain was opened in 1985 in Porto, Portugal.{{cite web|url=https://www.marketingmag.com.au/hubs-c/spanish-domination/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150722222953/https://www.marketingmag.com.au/hubs-c/spanish-domination/ |archive-date=2015-07-22 |title=Spanish domination - Zara brand profile - Marketing Magazine|website=marketingmag.com.au}} Archived 22 July 2015. In 1989, the company entered the United States, and then France in 1990.{{cite news| title=Why high street giant Zara always gets it right| date=29 October 2015| publisher=Irish Independent}} During the 1990s, Zara expanded to Mexico (1992),{{cite news| url=https://www.economist.com/news/business/21567963-slashed-import-tariffs-bring-cheap-foreign-brands-middle-class-fashion-invasion| title=Fashion invasion| date=8 December 2012| newspaper=The Economist| access-date=8 April 2016}} Greece, Belgium, Sweden (1993) and Israel (1997).{{Cite news |last=Crystal |first=Meirav |date=2009-08-07 |title=Zara opens 19th store in Israel |language=en |work=Ynetnews |url=https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3758377,00.html |access-date=2022-12-29}}

In the 2000s, Zara opened its first stores in Brazil (2000); Japan and Singapore (2002); Ireland, Venezuela, Russia and Malaysia (2003);{{cite news | url=https://www.irishtimes.com/business/profits-at-zara-s-first-irish-store-reach-2-7m-1.1287028 | title=Profits at Zara's first Irish store reach €2.7m | newspaper=The Irish Times }}{{cite web| url=http://rbth.com/articles/2012/10/25/zara_plans_to_open_over_50_shops_in_russia_every_year_19449.html| title=Zara plans to open over 50 shops in Russia every year| date=25 October 2012| first=Aleksandra| last=Kreknina| publisher=Russia Beyond The Headlines| access-date=8 April 2016}}{{cite book| title=Managing Innovation and Entrepreneurship|author1=Robert D. Hisrich |author2=Claudine Kearney | date=25 June 2013| publisher=Sage Publications}} China,{{cite web| url=http://www.just-style.com/analysis/zara-takes-a-cautious-step-into-china_id92390.aspx| title=Zara takes a cautious step into China| date=6 September 2004| publisher=Just-Style| access-date=8 April 2016| archive-date=16 April 2016| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160416012159/http://www.just-style.com/analysis/zara-takes-a-cautious-step-into-china_id92390.aspx| url-status=dead}} Morocco,{{cite web| url=http://www.businessoffashion.com/articles/market-gps/in-north-africa-a-story-of-morocco-and-the-rest| title=In North Africa, a Story of Morocco and the Rest| author=Robb Young| date=5 November 2013| publisher=Business of Fashion| access-date=8 April 2016}} Estonia,{{cite news| url=http://economia.elpais.com/economia/2004/08/17/actualidad/1092727980_850215.html| title=Zara opens in the Baltic republics by opening a store in Estonia| date=17 August 2004| publisher=El Pais| access-date=8 April 2016| newspaper=El País}} Hungary{{cite web| url=https://www.property-magazine.eu/milestone-in-hungary-s-fashion-life-22752.html| title=Milestones in Hungary's fashion life| date=11 October 2012| publisher=Property Magazine| access-date=8 April 2016}} and Romania (2004);{{cite web| url=http://www.romania-insider.com/zara-launches-online-shop-in-romania/118331/| title=Zara launches online shop in Romania| date=1 April 2014| publisher=Romania Insider| access-date=8 April 2016| archive-date=1 September 2014| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140901081245/http://www.romania-insider.com/zara-launches-online-shop-in-romania/118331/| url-status=dead}} the Philippines,{{cite book| title=Strategic Issues in International Retailing|author1=John Dawson |author2=Roy Larke |author3=Masao Mukoyama | date=21 August 2006| publisher=Routledge}} Costa Rica{{cite web| url=http://insidecostarica.com/dailynews/2005/may/16/nac06.htm| title=Zara Opens in Costa Rica| date=16 May 2005| publisher=Inside Costa Rica| access-date=8 April 2016}} and Indonesia (2005);{{cite web| url=http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2005/04/24/mitra-adiperkasa-offers-everything-zara-starbucks.html| title=Mitra Adiperkasa offers everything, from Zara to Starbucks| date=24 April 2005| publisher=The Jakarta Post| access-date=8 April 2016| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140620125012/http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2005/04/24/mitra-adiperkasa-offers-everything-zara-starbucks.html| archive-date=20 June 2014| url-status=dead| df=dmy-all}} Colombia (2007);{{cite web | url=https://www.sic.gov.co/content/zara-bershka-stradivarius-y-sportline-se-unen-al-programa-sicfacilita#:~:text=Grupo%20Inditex&text=En%202007%20llega%20a%20Colombia,%2C%20África%2C%20Asia%20y%20Oceanía | title=Superintendencia de Industria y Comercio }} and South Korea (2008).{{cite web| url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2008/04/123_23340.html| title=Spains Zara Opens First Store in Korea| date=29 April 2008| publisher=The Korea Times| access-date=8 April 2016}}

In the 2010s, Zara began to roll out locations in India (2010);{{cite web| url=https://www.bbc.com/news/10198854| title=Fashion chain Zara opens its first Indian store| date=31 May 2010| publisher=BBC| access-date=8 April 2016}} Taiwan, South Africa and Australia (2011);{{cite web| url=http://www.ifashion.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3232| title=Zara to Open in South Africa| date=19 January 2011| author=Emma Jordan| publisher=iFashion| access-date=8 April 2016}}{{cite web| url=http://www.vogue.com.au/fashion/news/global+phenomenon+zara+finally+opens+in+sydney,11869| title=Global phenomenon Zara finally opens in Sydney| date=19 April 2011| publisher=Vogue| access-date=8 April 2016| archive-date=15 September 2016| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160915053052/http://www.vogue.com.au/fashion/news/global+phenomenon+zara+finally+opens+in+sydney,11869| url-status=dead}} and Peru (2012).{{Cite web|title=Gestión {{!}} EL DIARIO DE ECONOMÍA Y NEGOCIOS DE PERÚ|url=https://archivo.gestion.pe/noticia/1366061/zara-abrio-oficialmente-su-primera-tienda-peru|access-date=2021-01-20|website=archivo.gestion.pe}}

In September 2010, Zara launched its online boutique. The website began in Jordan.{{cite web |url=https://www.fashionunited.com/fashion-news/fashion/zara-launches-online-boutique-20100609486373 |title=Zara launches online boutique |work=fashionunited.com |date=6 September 2010 |access-date=22 June 2014}} In November of the same year, Zara Online extended its service to five more countries: Austria, Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg.{{cite web|url=http://th.fashionmag.com/news-131301-Zara-com-launches-in-5-more-countries|title=Zara.com launches in 5 more countries|access-date=30 May 2015|archive-date=6 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160506012844/http://th.fashionmag.com/news-131301-Zara-com-launches-in-5-more-countries|url-status=dead}} Online stores began operating in the United States in 2011,{{cite web|url=http://www.fashionunited.com/fashion-news/fashion/inditex-post-record-profits-20102409486404|title=Inditex post record profits|access-date=30 May 2015}} Russia and Canada in 2013,{{cite web| url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/walterloeb/2013/10/14/zaras-secret-to-success-the-new-science-of-retailing-a-must-read/| title=Zara's Secret To Success: The New Science Of Retailing| date=14 October 2013| work=Forbes|access-date=29 April 2016}}{{cite web| url=http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2013/02/07/zara-online-canada_n_2638679.html| title=Zara To Launch Canadian Online Story| author=Mary Kim| date=12 February 2013| website=The Huffington Post| access-date=29 April 2016}}{{cite web| url=http://torontolife.com/shopping/style/zara-online-shopping-canada-launch/| title=Zara launches online shopping in Canada| author=Michelle Reddick| date=5 March 2013| publisher=Toronto Life| access-date=29 April 2016}} Mexico in 2014,{{cite web| url=https://www.internetretailer.com/2014/09/10/zara-sells-online-mexico| title=Zara sells online in Mexico| author=Katie Evans| date=10 September 2014| publisher=Internet Retailer| access-date=29 April 2016}} South Korea in 2014,{{cite web| url=https://insideretail.asia/2014/10/07/zara-launches-online-south-korea/| title=Zara launches online in South Korea| date=7 October 2014| publisher=Inside Retail| access-date=29 April 2016}}{{cite web| url=https://evigo.com/9397-inditex-zara-launch-online-platforms-south-korea-mexico/| title=Inditex: Zara to launch online platforms in South Korea and Mexico| date=12 December 2013| publisher=Evigo| access-date=29 April 2016}} Romania in 2016,{{cite web| url=https://ecommercenews.eu/zara-launches-online-store-in-romania/| title=Zara launches online store in Romania| date=28 March 2014| publisher=Ecommerce News| access-date=29 April 2016}} India in 2017, Israel and Brazil in 2019,{{Cite news |date=2019-05-15 |title=Zara launches online sales in Israel |language=en |work=Globes |url=https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-zara-launches-online-sales-in-israel-1001285843 |access-date=2022-12-29}} and Peru in 2020.{{Cite web|date=2020-06-03|title=Perú: Zara anuncia la apertura de su tienda online|url=http://guiadelretail.com/peru-zara-anuncia-la-apertura-de-su-tienda-online/|access-date=2021-01-20|website=Perú Retail|language=en-US}}{{Dead link|date=October 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

In 2015, Zara was ranked #30 on Interbrand's list of best global brands.{{cite web| url=http://interbrand.com/best-brands/best-global-brands/2015/ranking/zara/| title=Zara| publisher=Interbrand| access-date=9 June 2016}}

In 2019, Zara updated their logo.{{cite web| url=https://www.fastcompany.com/90298669/zaras-new-logo-may-be-the-future-of-branding-love-it-or-hate-it| title=Zara's new logo may be the future of branding, love it or hate it| date=29 January 2019| newspaper=Fast Company| access-date=15 July 2019}} It was designed by the French agency Baron & Baron.{{Cite web|title=ZARA's new logo squeezes out criticism from other designers|date=5 February 2019|url=https://www.designboom.com/design/zara-new-logo-baron-baron-02-05-2019/}} The global fashion business Journal MDS stated that while the textile commerce of the world had gone down by 2.38%, Zara's had risen 2.17%.{{Cite web|url=https://www.themds.com/companies/giants-in-the-kingdom-of-zara-inditex-hm-and-primark-dominate-38-of-fashion-sales.html|title=Giants in the kingdom of Zara: Inditex, H&M and Primark dominate 38% of fashion sales|website=www.themds.com|language=en-US|access-date=2019-07-31}} Chief Executive Persson said the brand is waiting for more acceptable global rent levels to continue its expansion. In Europe, the brand planned to cut the number of retail locations beginning in 2020.

In 2021, Zara left Venezuela by the economic struggles in the country.{{cite web | url=https://elpais.com/america/2024-01-20/inditex-regresa-a-venezuela-tres-anos-despues-de-su-marcha.html?outputType=amp | title=Inditex regresa a Venezuela tres años después de su marcha | date=20 January 2024 }}

As of January 2023, the clothing retailer has nearly 3000 stores, including its kids and home stores. Spanning over 96 countries and continuing to grow.{{Cite web|url=https://fortune.com/2019/08/11/hm-zara-store-closing/|title=H&M and Zara Are Closing Stores To Get Ahead|website=Fortune|language=en|access-date=2019-08-11}} In April 2023, Zara left Russia by selling the business to Fashion and More Management DVCC. The brand changed its name to Maag.{{Cite web|url=https://www.banki.ru/news/lenta/?id=10982937|title=Магазины Zara в России открываются под новым названием|language=ru|date=2023-04-05|website=Banki.ru}}

Corporate affairs

The key trends for Zara (including Zara Home) are as at the financial year ending 31 January:{{Cite web |title=Inditex Accounts & Reports |url=https://www.inditex.com/itxcomweb/en/investors/finance#accounts-reports |access-date=2023-11-25 |website=www.inditex.com}}

class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"

!Revenue{{Efn|"Sales to third parties"}}
(€ bn)

!Profit
before taxes
(€ bn)

!Total assets
(€ bn)

!Number of
stores

!Share of stores
franchised
(%)

!References

style="text-align:left;" |2016

|15.4

|2.7

|15.0

|2,213

|13

|{{Cite web |date= |title=Inditex Annual Report 2016 |url=https://static.inditex.com/annual_report_2021/en/documents/annual-report-2016.pdf |website=Inditex}}

style="text-align:left;" |2017

|16.7

|3.0

|16.0

|2,251

|12

|{{Cite web |title=Inditex Annual Report 2017 |url=https://static.inditex.com/annual_report_2017/assets/pdf/memoria_en.pdf |website=Inditex}}

style="text-align:left;" |2018

|18.1

|3.1

|17.3

|2,862

|13

style="text-align:left;" |2019

|19.6

|3.3

|22.7

|2,866

|13

style="text-align:left;" |2020

|14.2

|0.96

|21.3

|2,653

|12

style="text-align:left;" |2021

|19.7

|2.8

|23.6

|2,489

|12

2022

|23.9

|4.0

|24.8

|2,312

|13

2023

|26.2

|4.9

|27.0

|2,221

|13

|{{Cite web |title=Inditex Annual Report 2023 |url=https://www.inditex.com/itxcomweb/api/media/9673b05d-e761-4558-8e1a-8c4f38344628/Inditex_Group_Annual_Report_2023.pdf |access-date=2 August 2024 |website=Inditex}}

Products

Zara stores have men's and women's clothing as well as children's clothing (Zara Kids). Zara Home designs are located in European stores. The majority of Zara customers are aged between 18 and about 35. After products are designed, they take 10 to 15 days to reach the stores.[https://www.forbes.com/sites/gregpetro/2012/10/25/the-future-of-fashion-retailing-the-zara-approach-part-2-of-3/ The Future of Fashion Retailing: The Zara Approach] 25 October 2012. Greg Petro. Forbes. accessed 5 April 2016 All of the clothing is processed through the distribution center in Spain. New items are inspected, sorted, tagged, and loaded into trucks. In most cases, the clothing is delivered within 48 hours. Zara produces over 450 million items per year.{{cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/bw/articles/2013-11-14/2014-outlook-zaras-fashion-supply-chain-edge|title=Zara's Fast-Fashion Edge|author-first1=Susan|author-last1=Berfield|author-first2=Manuel|author-last2=Baigorri|date=14 November 2013|website=Bloomberg|access-date=5 April 2016}}

Zara also includes accessories, shoes, swimwear, beauty and perfumes.

In May 2021, Zara launched its first beauty line, ZARA Beauty.{{Cite web|url=https://hypebeast.com/2021/5/zara-beauty-release-info|title=Zara Introduces Refillable Beauty With Its First-Ever Beauty Line|last=Wong|first=Veronica|date=10 May 2021|website=|access-date=13 May 2021}}

Under its Zara Home line, Zara launched what is believed to be the first detergent that reduces the abrasion of textile microfibres during washing. It is claimed the solution, jointly developed by Inditex and BASF Home Care and I&I Solutions Europe in Spain and Germany, can reduce the release of microfibres by up to 80 per cent, depending on fabric type and washing conditions.{{Cite web |last=Mathews |first=Brett |date=2022-11-30 |title=Zara detergent tackles microfibre shedding |url=https://apparelinsider.com/zara-launches-detergent-to-tackle-microfibres/ |access-date=2022-12-05 |website=Apparel Insider |language=en-GB}}

Manufacturing and distribution

Reportedly, Zara needs just one week to develop a new product and get it to stores, compared to the six-month industry average, and makes roughly 40,000 designs of which around 12,000 new designs are selected and produced each year.{{cite news|last1=Burgen|first1=Stephen|title=Fashion chain Zara helps Inditex lift first quarter profits by 30%|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2012/aug/17/zara-inditex-profits|newspaper=The Guardian|access-date=12 January 2015|date=17 August 2012}} Zara has a policy of zero advertising; the company preferred to invest a percentage of revenues in opening new stores instead.{{cite web|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2012/11/zaras-big-idea-what-the-worlds-top-fashion-retailer-tells-us-about-innovation/265126/|title=Zara's Big Idea: What the World's Top Fashion Retailer Tells Us About Innovation|author-first1=Derek|author-last1=Thompson|date=13 November 2012|website=The Atlantic|access-date=5 April 2016}}

Zara set up its own factory in La Coruña (a city known for its textile industry) in 1980 and upgraded to reverse milk-run-type production and distribution facilities in 1990. This approach, designed by Toyota Motor Corp., was called the just-in-time (JIT) system.{{cite book |last1=Johan|first1=Albert|last2=Purnama|first2=Maurice|date=2009|title=Zara Operation Management Key Values|publisher=GRIN Verlag |url=https://www.grin.com/document/512230|isbn=9783346094896}} It enabled the company to establish a business model that allows self-containment throughout the stages of materials, manufacture, product completion, and distribution to stores worldwide within just a few days.{{cite book |first=Kensuke |last=Kojima |year=2011 |title=Uniqlo Syndrome |publisher=Tenkai |location=Japan |isbn=978-4-492-76191-5 }}

Most of the products Zara sells are manufactured in Spain, Portugal, China, Turkey, Morocco, Bangladesh [https://www.telegraph.co.uk/fashion/brands/the-5-ingredients-of-zaras-success/ The 5 ingredients of Zara's success]. Bibby Sowray. 11 December 2015. Telegraph. accessed 5 April 2016 and more recently - Armenia. While some competitors outsource all production to Asia, Zara manufactures its most fashionable items – half of all its merchandise – at a dozen company-owned factories in Spain (particularly in Galicia), Portugal (northern part) and Turkey. Clothes with a longer shelf life, such as basic T-shirts, are outsourced to low-cost suppliers, mainly in Asia.[https://web.archive.org/web/20060901053905/http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/06_36/b3999063.htm Fashion Conquistador] Businessweek

The company can design a new product and have finished goods in its stores in four to five weeks; it can modify existing items in as little as two weeks, which results from its advanced operation management. Shortening the product life cycle means greater success in meeting consumer preferences.{{Cite web |url=http://www.emil.gatech.edu/news-events/article.php?aid=181 |title=Executive Masters in International Logistics at Georgia Tech |access-date=12 May 2007 |archive-date=5 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305044211/http://www.emil.gatech.edu/news-events/article.php?aid=181 |url-status=dead }} If a design does not sell well within a week, it is withdrawn from shops, further orders are canceled and a new design is pursued. Zara monitors customers' fashion changes.{{cite book|last=Friedman|first=Thomas|title=The World is Flat|year=2006|publisher=Farrar, Straus, and Giroux|location=New York|isbn=978-0-374-29279-9|page=154}} Zara has a range of basic designs that are carried over from year to year, but some fashion-forward designs can stay on the shelves less than four weeks, which encourages Zara fans to make repeat visits. An average high-street store in Spain expects customers to visit three times a year. That goes up to 17 times for Zara.{{cite web |url= https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2002/oct/28/fashion.shopping |title=The reign of Spain |first=Caroline |last=Roux |work=The Guardian |date=28 October 2002 |access-date=22 June 2014}}

As a result of increasing competitive pressures from the online shopping market, Zara is shifting its focus onto online as well, and will consequently open fewer but larger stores in the future.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-03-14/zara-loses-its-zip|title=Even Zara Can Have a Wardrobe Malfunction|date=14 March 2018|work=Bloomberg.com|access-date=14 March 2018|language=en}} In May 2022, a £1.95 return fee was implemented for some online orders in Britain and other core markets.{{Cite news |last=Pooley |first=Cat Rutter |date=20 July 2022 |title=Fast fashion is slowing down — for its own good |work=Financial Times |url=https://www.ft.com/content/caf694df-f545-4335-bb59-b88b5fa3ae10}} This fee was introduced in Spain as of February 2023.{{Cite news |date=2023-02-01 |title=Zara starts charging for clothing returns from home in Spain |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/zara-starts-charging-clothing-returns-home-spain-2023-02-01/ |access-date=2023-02-03}}

In November 2022, a pre-owned platform will also be launched via its website and app in UK. Other than posting now-unwanted Zara purchases online for sale, shoppers can book repairs and donate unwanted items online or via a store. If successful, this service will be expanded to other key markets.{{Cite news |last=Butler |first=Sarah |date=21 Oct 2022 |title=Zara enters resale market with Pre-owned service |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2022/oct/21/zara-enters-resale-market-pre-owned-service}}

Starting November 2022, Russians will be able to order products online from a range U.S. and European brands, including Nike, Zara and H&M, according to an announcement from Russia's postal service.{{Cite web |date=2022-11-29 |title=Russians can buy Zara dresses and Nike sneakers again |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/russia-zara-nike-hm-fashion-ukraine-war-sanctions/ |access-date=2022-11-30 |website=POLITICO |language=en-US}}

September 11, 2024 – Zara is expanding its secondhand clothing platform, Zara Pre-Owned, to the U.S. The service, which allows customers to sell, donate, or repair pre-owned items, is expected to launch in the U.S. by the end of October 2024.{{cite web |url=https://www.pymnts.com/news/retail/2024/zara-plans-to-bring-pre-owned-clothing-service-to-us/ |title=Zara Plans to Bring Pre-Owned Clothing Service to US |website=pymnts.com |date=2024-09-11}}

File:Zara-salesdesk.jpg|The men's department of a typical Zara store. Almere, Netherlands

File:Zara clothing made in Portugal.JPG|Zara clothing made in Portugal

File:Zara 222 Broadway.jpg|Zara store in New York City, near One World Trade Center

File:Zara Store in Columbus.jpg|Zara store in Columbus, Ohio

=Non-toxic clothing=

In 2010, Greenpeace started a dialog with Zara to ban toxics from the clothing production. Greenpeace published its "Toxic threads: the big fashion stitch-up" report in November 2012 as part of its Detox Campaign identifying companies that use toxic substances in their manufacturing processes.{{cite web |url=http://www.greenpeace.org/international/Global/international/publications/toxics/Water%202012/ToxicThreads01.pdf |title=Toxic threads: the big fashion stitch-up |pages=15, 24 |work=Greenpeace.org |date=20 November 2012}} Nine days after the report was published, Zara committed to eradicating all releases of hazardous chemicals throughout its entire supply chain and products by 2020.{{cite web| url= http://www.businessinsider.com/zara-bans-toxic-chemicals-2012-11 | title=Zara Just Caved To Greenpeace And Agreed To Stop Using Toxic Chemicals| author=Alice Newbold |date=1 December 2012| publisher=Business Insider| access-date=29 April 2016}} Zara became the biggest retailer in the world to raise awareness for the Detox Campaign,{{cite web |url=http://www.demorgen.be/dm/nl/989/Binnenland/article/detail/1539207/2012/11/24/Greenpeace-voert-actie-bij-Zara-tegen-giftige-kleding.dhtml |archive-url=https://archive.today/20131030081643/http://www.demorgen.be/dm/nl/989/Binnenland/article/detail/1539207/2012/11/24/Greenpeace-voert-actie-bij-Zara-tegen-giftige-kleding.dhtml |url-status=dead |archive-date=30 October 2013 |title=Greenpeace voert actie bij Zara tegen giftige kleding |work=De Morgen |date=24 November 2012 |language=nl }} and switched to a fully toxic-free production.{{cite web |url=http://www.greenpeace.org/international/en/news/features/Zara-commits-to-go-toxic-free |title=People! Zara commits to go toxic-free |work=Greenpeace.org |date=29 November 2012}}{{Update after|2012|11|24|reason=There needs to be evidence from after 2012 demonstrating that Zara actually followed through on this commitment}}

Controversies

= Allegations of antisemitism =

In 2007, Zara withdrew a handbag from its shelves after a customer noticed a swastika on the bag's design. The bag came from an external supplier, and Zara claimed the symbol was not visible when the handbag was chosen. Zara withdrew the product from stores, and spokesperson Susan Suett said the bag would not have been sourced had the symbol been apparent.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7002765.stm |title= Zara withdraws swastika handbags |author= |date= 19 September 2007 |website=BBC.co.uk |publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation |access-date= 25 April 2015}}

In August 2014, Zara received criticism for selling a toddler T-shirt for closely resembling uniforms worn by Jewish concentration camp inmates. The T-shirt was striped and featured a yellow star similar to the Star of David. Zara said the design was inspired by "the sheriff's stars from the classic western films". Zara removed the shirt from sale a few hours after they appeared for sale, and apologized.{{cite news|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/08/27/zara-anti-semitism_n_5722162.html|title=Zara Apologizes for Pajamas That Look Just Like A Concentration Camp Uniform|last1=Kaufman|first1=Alexander|date=27 August 2014|access-date=25 April 2015|website=The Huffington Post}} Zara received criticism for selling the T-shirt in Israel because the country does not have sheriffs. Additionally, the word "Sheriff" is outlined in transparent letters on the bright yellow star. The Anti-Defamation League responded to the shirt, saying that it was offensive, but welcomed Zara's recognition of the potential imagery and removing the shirt from sale.{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2014/08/27/living/zara-pulls-sheriff-star-shirt/|title=Retailer pulls shirts reminiscent of Holocaust|last1=Grinberg|first1=Emanuella|date=28 August 2014|access-date=25 April 2015|publisher=Cable News Network|website=CNN.com}}

= Labour practices =

In August 2011, a Brazilian television show accused the company of using sweatshops for their outsourced production. The Regional Superintendency of Labour and Employment of São Paulo, Brazil, closed a factory that produced Zara's clothing for its poor labour conditions.{{cite web |url=http://veja.abril.com.br/noticia/economia/trabalho-escravo-encontrado-na-rede-da-zara |title=Marca Zara está envolvida em denúncia de trabalho escravo |first=Carolina |last=Guerra |work=VEJA |date=17 August 2011 |access-date=22 June 2014|language=pt}} Zara's representatives said the accusations of slave labour made against the retailer represent a breach of the code of conduct for workshops of Inditex. The company also states factories responsible for unauthorized outsourcing have been asked to regularize immediately the situation of the workers involved.{{cite news |title=Zara Accused Of Alleged 'Slave Labor' In Brazil |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/andersonantunes/2011/08/17/zara-accused-of-alleged-slave-labor-in-brazil/ | work=Forbes | first=Anderson | last=Antunes |date=17 August 2011}}

In September 2013, Bangladeshi garment workers for suppliers to Zara and its parent company, Inditex, protested following the 2013 Dhaka garment factory collapse, demanding a monthly US$100 minimum wage.{{cite web |last1=Nashrulla |first1=Tasneem |title=The People Who Make H&M, Gap, And Zara Clothes Earn $38 A Month And Are Demanding $100 |url=https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/tasneemnashrulla/the-person-who-most-likely-made-your-hm-gap-or-zara-clothes |website=Buzzfeed News |date=23 September 2013 |access-date=16 April 2020}} Inditex does not publicly disclose the factories that produce their branded clothing.{{cite news |last1=Kashyap |first1=Aruna |title=When Clothing Labels Are a Matter of Life or Death |url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/when-clothing-labels-are-a-matter-of-life-or-death |website=The Daily Beast |date=2 May 2018 |publisher=The Daily Beast |access-date=16 April 2020}}

In 2016, BBC News stated they found evidence of child labor and exploitation in factories in Turkey. Zara replied that there were some issues in June 2016 in one single factory and, instead of solving these issues immediately, they have given a period of six months to solve them.{{cite news |date=24 October 2016 |title=Syrian child refugees making UK clothes |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-37716463}}

In November 2017, customers shopping at Zara stores in Istanbul, Turkey, found handwritten notes purportedly from Turkish workers in the pockets of in-store garments asking shoppers to pressure Zara into paying them unpaid wages.{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/fashion/zara-istanbul-unpaid-workers-inditex-bravo-clothing-tags-notes-a8037256.html|title=Unpaid laborers are 'slipping pleas for help into Zara clothes|last=Young|first=Sarah|date=5 November 2017|work=The Independent|access-date=5 November 2017}} The company clarified the unpaid wages were due to a third-party manufacturer Bravo Tekstil,{{Cite web|title=UNPAID LABOURERS ARE 'SLIPPING PLEAS FOR HELP INTO ZARA CLOTHES'|website=Independent.co.uk|date=6 November 2017|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/fashion/zara-istanbul-unpaid-workers-inditex-bravo-clothing-tags-notes-a8037256.html}} who had failed to pay their employees in the period up to its closing after going bankrupt.{{cite news |date=15 November 2017 |title=Zara shoppers find labor complaints inside clothes |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-41981509}} The company said they would help to provide compensation to employees who weren't paid.{{Cite web|url=https://www.fastcompany.com/40492215/the-real-story-behind-those-desperate-notes-that-zara-workers-left-in-clothes|title=The Real Story Behind Those Desperate Notes That Zara Workers Left In Clothes|last=Segran|first=Elizabeth|date=2017-11-06|website=Fast Company|language=en-US|access-date=2019-08-11}} In the agreement, only factory-floor employees were compensated, with "white-collar" employees not covered by the agreement.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/zara-inditex-workers-still-unpaid-1.4414831|title=Unpaid Zara garment workers say they still haven't seen a cent|website=CBC}}

In 2022, about 1,000 shop assistants who work at Zara and other fashion brands owned by Inditex went on strike on Black Friday in the company's home town in northern Spain to demand better salaries.{{Cite news |date=2022-11-25 |title=Zara shopworkers stage Black Friday strike in fashion group's hometown |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/zara-shopworkers-stage-black-friday-strike-fashion-groups-hometown-2022-11-25/ |access-date=2022-11-29}} Prior to a second strike, Inditex, Zara's parent company, has agreed to pay 322 euros more per month to shop assistants from 44 stores. Workers {{update after|2023|02|text=will also get a one-off bonus of 1,000 euros to be paid in February 2023.}}{{Cite news |last=Pons |first=Corina |date=23 December 2022 |title=Zara shopworkers call off strikes in company's hometown after 25% pay rise - union |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/zara-shopworkers-call-off-strikes-companys-hometown-after-pay-rise-deal-union-2022-12-23/ |access-date=27 December 2022}}

In December 2023, Yle reported in Finland that the local Occupational Safety and Health Administration and Regional State Administrative Agency had investigated the four Zara stores under suspicions of illegal labour practices. In the investigation it was found that the workload the employees were subjected to were illegal. In one store, 95% of respondents to the authorities' enquiry felt that the workload is unbearable.{{Cite news|url=https://yle.fi/a/74-20065005|title=Terveydelle vaarallista työtä|work=Yle|language=Finnish|date=18 December 2023|access-date=18 December 2023}}

= Copyright infringement =

In July 2016, complaints were made against Zara that they had been stealing designs from multiple independent designers for their products. One of the designers, Tuesday Bassen, who previously worked with brands including Urban Outfitters and Nike, contacted Zara. The company responded Bassen's designs were not distinctive enough, and they received only a handful of complaints given the large volume of traffic they receive on their site. When the news was picked up by media outlets, Inditex, Zara's owning company, stated that the items in question have been suspended from sale, and that they are in contact with Bassen's lawyer to clarify and address the issue.{{cite web |url=http://jezebel.com/zara-copies-indie-artists-work-then-says-shes-not-famo-1783970547 |title=Zara Copies Indie Artist's Work, Then Says She's Not Famous Enough For It to Matter |first=Madeleine |last=Davies |website=jezebel.com |date=20 July 2016 |access-date=13 March 2018}}{{cite news | url=http://fortune.com/2016/07/20/zara-stealing-designs/ | title=12 Artists Are Accusing Zara of Stealing Their Designs | first=Michal | last=Addady | date=20 July 2016 | work=Fortune | access-date=4 October 2017 }}

As of April 2018, MaXhosa by Laduma is taking legal action against Zara for copying its designs.{{Cite news|url=http://ewn.co.za/2018/04/24/maxhosa-s-laduma-on-zara-sock-copies|title=Maxhosa's Laduma on Zara design knock-offs: It's shocking & lacks integrity|last=Matangira|first=Lungelo|access-date=2018-04-25|language=en}} Zara responded to complaints from the designer by removing socks that resembled his artistic style.{{Cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/declaneytan/2019/01/31/how-laduma-ngxokolo-battled-cultural-appropriation-and-is-building-an-african-luxury-heritage-brand/|title=How Laduma Ngxokolo Battled Cultural Appropriation And Is Building An African Luxury Heritage Brand|last=Eytan|first=Declan|website=Forbes|language=en|access-date=2019-08-11}}

= Melania Trump =

In June 2018, a Zara jacket with "I really don't care, do u?" emblazoned on the back became controversial after it was worn by Melania Trump when she visited a detention center for migrant children separated from their parents.{{cite news | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/reliable-source/wp/2018/06/21/writing-on-melania-trumps-jacket-causes-controversy-before-border-visit/ |url-access=subscription | title=How Melania Trump's jacket choice overtook her visit to the Texas border shelters | first=Emily | last=Heil | date=21 June 2018 | newspaper=The Washington Post | access-date=7 July 2018 }}

= Political controversy in China =

In January 2018, Shanghai's internet authority summoned representatives of Zara, chastising the company for listing Taiwan as a country and ordering it to rectify the situation immediately.{{cite news |url=https://money.cnn.com/2018/01/12/news/companies/delta-zara-china-taiwan-tibet/index.html |title=Delta flies into China trouble over Tibet and Taiwan |first=Sherisse |last=Pham |date=2018-01-12 |work=CNN |access-date=2023-12-11 }}

In September 2019, Zara supported Hong Kong strikes; however after pressures from Chinese social media Zara was forced to issue a statement expressing its support of the "one country, two systems" policy adopted by China in ruling Hong Kong, and its disapproval of anti-government strikes.{{cite news | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hongkong-protests-zara-idUSKCN1VO0HN/ | title=Fashion brand Zara seeks to distance itself from Hong Kong controversy | date=6 September 2019 | work=Reuters }}

= Xinjiang region =

In 2020, the Australian Strategic Policy Institute accused at least 82 major brands, including Zara, of being connected to forced Uyghur labor in Xinjiang.{{cite web |url=https://www.aspi.org.au/report/uyghurs-sale |title=Uyghurs for sale |publisher=Australian Strategic Policy Institute |last1=Xu |first1=Vicky Xiuzhong |last2=Cave |first2=Danielle |last3=Leibold |first3=James |last4=Munro |first4=Kelsey |last5=Ruser |first5=Nathan |date=1 March 2020}}

= Allegations of anti-Palestinian bullying and imagery =

In June 2021, the company's women's head fashion designer Vanessa Perilman made anti-Palestinian comments in response to Palestinian model Qaher Harhash.{{Cite web|date=2021-06-13|title=Zara's Head of Design Attacks Palestinian Model, Qaher Harhash, in Islamophobic Rant|url=https://www.el-shai.com/zaras-head-of-design-qaher-harhash-islamophobic/|access-date=2021-10-03|website=El-Shai|language=en-US}} After receiving backlash for her comments when they were made public by Qaher, Perilman apologized and Zara later asked Qaher to post Perilman's apology on his social media. Because of Zara's delayed response, and decision to not fire Perilman, calls to boycott Zara emerged through social media.{{Cite web|author=Jack Guy|title=Zara under fire after top designer sends Palestinian model inflammatory messages|url=https://www.cnn.com/style/article/vanessa-perilman-zara-messages-scli-intl/index.html|access-date=2021-06-22|website=CNN|date=16 June 2021 |language=en}}{{Cite web|last=Abdelkader|first=Rima|date=June 17, 2021|title=Fashion retailer Zara condemns anti-Palestinian comments made by designer|website=NBC News|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/fashion-retailer-zara-condemns-anti-palestinian-comments-made-designer-n1270940}}

In December 2023, Zara faced backlash over the release of their "ZARA ATELIER. Collection 04_The Jacket." campaign.{{Cite web |title=Instagram |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/C0i1m5rtNtu/?img_index=1 |access-date=2023-12-09 |website=www.instagram.com}} The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) received 50 complaints about the advert,{{Cite news |date=2023-12-11 |title=Zara advert accused of resembling Gaza images |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-67681865 |access-date=2023-12-11}} which included photos of a model posing with a mannequin wrapped in plastic, and others where the model was surrounded by rubble and rocks with a cardboard cut out of what appeared similar to the map of Palestine. Commenters likened the similarity of the promotional photos to the images of the aftermath of air strikes in Palestine and called for a boycott of the brand.{{Cite web |title=Zara faces huge backlash over controversial campaign |url=https://en.royanews.tv/news/47324/2023-12-09 |access-date=2023-12-09 |website=en.royanews.tv |language=en}} The campaign was subsequently removed from their app and website, and some images removed from their Instagram account. On December 12, Zara announced that it "regrets" a "misunderstanding" about the ad campaign and that it was photographed in September.{{Cite news |date=2023-12-12 |title=Zara says it regrets Gaza images misunderstanding |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-67690447 |access-date=2023-12-12}}

= Trademark Action =

In April 2022, it was reported that Zara had taken legal action against "Tara Sartoria", a small clothing company owned by Vietnamese citizen Tara Nguyen. Ms. Nguyen's company sells products made by disadvantaged women in Indonesia and Vietnam.{{cite news |author= |date=2022-04-30 |title=Zara orders House of Zana to drop name over trademark row |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tees-61259100 |work=BBC News |access-date=2022-04-30 |quote=Another company locked in the same dispute with Zara is Tara Sartoria, which sells a small range of hand-made silk products made by disadvantaged women in Indonesia and Vietnam.}}

Stores

As of November 2021, there were 2,264 stores across 96 countries.{{Cite web |date=2021-11-07 |title=The Secret of Zara's Success: A Culture of Customer Co-creation |url=https://martinroll.com/resources/articles/strategy/the-secret-of-zaras-success-a-culture-of-customer-co-creation/ |access-date=2023-12-12 |website=Martin Roll |language=en-US}}

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in early 2020, Zara stores worldwide closed temporarily due to restrictions. However, in April 2020 Zara's owner ramped up shipment to Asia as China ended its lockdown after 76 days.{{cite news |title=Zara Owner Ramps Up Shipment to Asia as Shoppers Return |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-04-08/zara-owner-ramps-up-apparel-exports-to-asia-as-shoppers-return |newspaper=Bloomberg |date=8 April 2020 |author-first1=Thomas |author-last1=Gualtieri |access-date=April 8, 2020}}