The Secret Behind Zara’s Success

Zara has consistently maintained a top place in the high street from its founding in 1975 until today. From their incredible logistics to their focus on online retailing, they consistantly maintained a high level of desirability in their consumers, a high level of buzz and interest that keeps people coming back time and time again. It may not be the same business that got them the respect of the academics once upon a time, but it has successfully adapted into a business that is special in a whole new way

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[N.B.]

I worked in Zara (UK stores) in the mid 2000s and I think one of the reasons Zara is so successful is at limiting "waste" within their merchandising. They're so agile, well-managed and they look at their sales-data very frequently. Sales (of products) are tracked HOURLY, stores-turnovers are given at the end of the day (and the store-manager would note of any things that might have contributed to that day's result: weather, road-works, any events that might affect footfall...etc). Also, Zara would NEVER transfer stock between the stores unless in very extreme circumstances. They really didn't need to, with the huge amount of data at their fingerprints, they knew to allocate just the right amount of stock needed to each when it comes to merchandising, there's a TWO-TIER system within their stores. NOT all stores get the same stock. Only specific stores get the limited-edition lines, for instance, and in the UK, Zara would be pay special attention to the performance of a handful of stores to paint an overall picture of what styles were performing at national level.

[christopherfeatherley]

I always found Zara interesting when compared to its competitors at the mall I go to; those being H&M and Forever 21. Despite how expensive Zara is, the controversies, and lack of quality, it's still always packed full. I honestly think it's because of the aesthetic they've somehow managed to maintain. You can tell from the slick black signature of their stores, the yellowish dim lights they use on their racks, along with their fragrances. They really come off as high end, despite being far from it. I think Zara has mastered that market, which Forever 21 and H&M haven't.

Personally, since I do not shop a lot, I've been able to avoid shopping at fast fashion retailers. I just find their success interesting, as while all other stores (at my mall) suffer from lack of foot traffic, Zara is literally the only store with a line; and I never shop during the holiday seasons.

As always, thank you for the in depth video! I was always curious about Zara's orgins. I didn't know about them until college, and I was actually surprised they were a fast fashion brand. I thought they were upscale when I first browse their site!

[fussbrain]

I love the amount of effort you put into your videos

[EXOL_]

Listening to this while cooking dinner. Perfect timing bestie

[filmingyu]

Yes more content on ZARA pls! More so how they do marketing, selling, branding, and without heavily using influencers. Thank you.

[NadaNada-sepq]

I would love a deeper dive on Zara and Inditex! I didn’t learn until recently that Massimo Dutti was within the tentacles of Inditex. Several jobs ago, I would often shop at Massimo Dutti while on work trips to the Middle East. Back home in the U.S., women would sometimes stop me to ask where my item of clothing was from, and I would have to explain that it was from a Zara-like store that wasn’t (yet) in the U.S. or even online. I didn’t realize until many years later that my description was actually really accurate!

[robrobben]

I‘m happy that the horrible Zara app prevents me from shopping there most of the time, it’s annoying. Not to speak of the questionable production methods and the increasing poor quality.

[meowbaby]

I love how well-researched your videos are!

[CWLim-guwx]

I would love a deep dive on Zara in terms of marketing and merchandising. Not sure if you have already done this but it would be interesting to see a video on H&M, Shein & Uniqlo as well.

[Mamitarococo]

Thanks for this history class. As always, your videos are top notch ❤

[zethuzulu]

I would be very interested in your 4P analysis as well as the merchandising aspect for Zara – it seems sooo interesting how they manage to just thrive in the face of theft accusations, user-unfriendly app and price point for the quality of clothing. Great video, as always!

[olumideakingbade]

At one point in my life, I used to shop at Zara - head to toe. Love your attention to detail and the incredible research you put into your pieces. PS. The videos at the end were very Edward Hopper - such poetry of light and colour.

[MaskedHoolagin]

I love the quality that goes into your videos. I never thought i'd learn so much about Zara and you just barely scratched the surface of their brand. I'm torn between you covering more brands or doing a deep dive on Zara . I think most people talk about their controversies so this was an interesting pov talk about how and why the brand got to where it's at rn

[brittbjurman]

12:28 that store looks exactly like the Zara in Stockholm, the one close to Kungsträdgården

[joshmiller]

A fascinating video. I have always been surprised by how well they have kept up with industry trends. Whilst I avoid fast fashion, they are an intriguing and in many ways a well run brand

[liv]

Zara is really amazing in how they've managed to cultivate a classy, high-fashion image despite their clothes being just as cheap as other fast fashion brands. Their website is infuriating to browse through but it helps them maintain this image - it's so hard to even see products because their photos look like they belong in a magazine photoshoot. I have a few items that are a few years old and honestly really good quality, even T-shirts that still look good, with no crooked, stretched out seams and appliqués that have survived a decade of machine washing. But lately, just as every other FF brand, the garments have been truly atrocious in their construction.

[sallyally]

This was a great video. Inditex was my first retail job. Wouldn't mind watching a part two!

[traumaqueeen]

Their quality is atrocious! Never again will I buy from them!!!

[emeralda.t]

I must tell you, I love your work! I appreciate how perfectly done these videos are and your dedicated research for each brand! Also, if you recorded a story, a lá Calm app, I would absolutely listen to it to ease any anxious moments haha. Again, well done as always!

[germanflores]

Seeing my native city and you, the channel I binge for hours (this and underskin), feels like a full circle moment! A Coruña, where I am from, is definitely Zara-land!

But really, SO excited to see you talk about my home ❤😊