Zalando acquires majority stake in Highsnobiety
Online fashion retailer Zalando has acquired a majority stake in Highsnobiety for an undisclosed sum.
Zalando said the move will accelerate its ambition to be a top destination for streetwear, new luxury and fashion inspiration, especially for younger, fashion-forward consumers.
Founded in Berlin in 2005 by David Fischer as a blog, Highsnobiety now comprises a publishing arm, creative consultancy and a ecommerce platform.
Following the acquisition, Highsnobiety will act as a strategic and creative consultant to help Zalando develop new inspiration-focused spaces and formats on its platform. In turn, Highsnobiety will benefit from Zalando’s expertise and resources when developing its own ecommerce capabilities.
David Schneider, Zalando’s founder and co-chief executive, said: “Both of our companies share a passion for building strong brand partnerships and enabling brands to inspire audiences with their products and stories. Partnering with Highsnobiety will allow us to execute much faster on our ambition to offer the most relevant and engaging – as well as convenient – shopping experience to our customers. I’m excited to see our joint vision materialize and to shape the future of fashion content in commerce together”.
As part of the deal, Highsnobiety will retain its editorial and curational autonomy, with the publishing and agency work remaining fully independent. The company will continue to be led by its two managing directors, Fischer and Jürgen Hopfgartner, and Fischer will retain a minority stake in the business.
