Zando Deals, Specials & Catalogues

Zando Specials

Latest Deals | 18th April 2021

Zando is an online retailer launched in 2012 that sells clothing, shoes and home decor.

Zando is an online shopping portal that launched in South Africa in 2012. Zando was co-founded by German nationals, Eugen Petersen and Manuel Koser, Emilian Popa from France, and Peter Allerstorfer from Austria. The entrepreneurs identified South Africa as a market that was ready for a fashion supermarket similar to the large European brands like Asos. Although customers who engaged in online purchasing in the local market still made up a small base, the businessmen’s research findings showed that it was growing at 30% to 40% per year. The founders sought funding from an international backer to get the business off the ground. Rocket Internet – a startup incubator with global experience in launching tech businesses in the fashion, food, and home categories – served as the ideal business partner, providing $25.7 million in funding. Among the brands that Rocket had launched was Zalando, a European online fashion store whose business model the local Zando brand sought to emulate. Zando operates from Salt River, Cape Town, where its premises feature an on-site photo studio and warehouse. The company employs more than 200 people. Despite the heavy international involvement in the ownership of the business, the founders are intent on giving Zando a South African identity and firmly establishing it as a local retailer. The product range of almost 200 brands is split 50/50 between local and international manufacturers.

Zando’s focus is on providing fashion clothing for men, women and children, as well as footwear and homeware to the middle market. While the retailer does not fall into the discount outlet category, a key priority is to offer their products at very affordable pricing. Another element of Zando’s strategy is an emphasis on convenience. The company has partnered with a private courier company, using branded vehicles for deliveries. The delivery service is efficient, with free standard shipping, and customers have the option to try on the clothing while the courier waits so that immediate returns can be accommodated. Zando also offers great flexibility in terms of payment options, with customers having seven methods available including in-store payments at Pick ‘n Pay, Checkers, and Shoprite stores, cash on delivery, and eBucks and UCount rewards.

Within a year of launching, Zando had attracted over 10 million visits to its website.