Zalando records another quarter of profitable growth and continues to innovate through AI

Zalando recorded in the second quarter 2026 a strong increase in profits and an acceleration in B2B business growth, supported by the rapid development of AI-based solutions.

Convincing growth

The adjusted EBIT increased by 10% year on year, reaching 205 million euros, with synergies from the acquisition of About You contributing more than 10 million euros. The margin of 6% reflects the consolidation of About You, acquired last year, while Zalando’s standalone margin improved to 6,6%. The gross merchandise volume (GMV) of the Group grew by 20,7% on a reported basis, reaching 4,9 billion euros.

AI contribution

“Our rapidly expanding AI-based solutions are already generating measurable benefits, driving both growth and efficiency in the B2C and B2B businesses,” said Robert Gentz, co-CEO of Zalando. “Innovations such as AI-powered Scayle Studios and the new version of Zalando Assistant are radically transforming the way our brand partners operate and our customers discover fashion”.

Scayle Studios is an AI-based studio for creating fashion and lifestyle content that reduces e-commerce production times from weeks to just a few minutes, while Zalando Assistant has continued to evolve from a simple conversational tool into a truly proactive lifestyle assistant.

B2B: strong growth and improved profitability

In B2B, Zalando recorded a particularly positive quarter. Through the Zeos operating system, the company provides brands and retailers with its logistics infrastructure, software solutions and services, enabling them to manage their e-commerce activities both on and beyond the Zalando platform.

The B2B revenues reached 335 million euros, up by 27,6% on a reported basis. The segment’s adjusted EBIT rose to 41 million euros, compared with 11 million euros in the same period of the previous year. The margin improved from 4,3% to 12,2%, thanks to economies of scale in Zeos Fulfilment logistics and the higher share of revenue from Scayle software, which has higher margins.

The strengthening of the enterprise segment is also continuing: the strategic partnership with Marks & Spencer entered the operational phase for the launch in 22 markets, the collaboration with Next has been extended to the About You marketplace, and Scayle has consolidated its position in the DACH markets and the United Kingdom thanks to important new customers. Wortmann Group, roastmarket, Bike Components and HMV have chosen Scayle’s e-commerce platform to manage their online stores.

Outlook for 2026

For the financial year 2026, Zalando now expects, on a reported basis, GMV and revenue growth at the lower end of the previous range of between 12% and 17%, in line with market expectations. Full-year adjusted EBIT guidance has been revised to a range of between 680 and 720 million euros, compared with the previous estimate of 660-740 million euros.

“The strength of our profitability reflects the quality and composition of our earnings, supported by the gradual shift towards higher-margin activities, such as the partner business and retail media, B2B growth and rigorous cost management supported by artificial intelligence,” said Anna Dimitrova, chief financial officer of Zalando. “Our goal remains, as always, to execute our strategy, invest in important future growth opportunities and achieve solid, high-quality financial results in 2026”.

This article was translated from the original Italian version with the assistance of artificial intelligence. In case of discrepancies, please refer to the original Italian version.