Zara Company Profile
Zara is a Spanish apparel retailer based in Arteixo in Spain.
It was founded in 1975 by Amancio Ortega and Rosalia Mera and specialises in fast-fashion and stylish clothing products.
It is the largest company in the Inditex Group, the world’s largest apparel retailer, which also own Bershka and Pull&Bear. Zara releases around 20 clothing collections a year.
Zara began by producing low-priced lookalike products of popular higher-end clothing items. Ortega pioneered his idea of ‘instant fashions’ where he was able to quickly react to changes in trends and the market through reducing lead times on all new products. This was achieved by expanding the IT capabilities of the firm whilst also hiring more designers to work in groups on products, rather than working alone as individuals. The company’s quick manufacturing and distribution capabilities allow for a new product to be developed and created to be put on shelves in just one week.
The company also has a policy of zero advertising and instead reinvests a larger percentage than others in opening new stores. Many of its products are created relatively locally in Europe (around Spain and Portugal). Outsourced products to Asia include some longer shelf life items such as plain t-shirts.
Zara products and services:
- Womenswear
- Menswear
- Bags and accessories
- Swimwear
- Shoes
- Shirts, suits and blazers
- Kids clothes, ranging from 0-12 months up to 14 years
- Makeup, beauty and fragrances
- Home living and decor
Ownership
Zara is owned by Inditex, a Spanish multinational clothing company that has over 7,000 stores in 93 markets. Other Inditex brands include Bershka, Pull & Bear and Massimo Dutti. The main aim of Inditex is to respond quickly to ever-changing market demands.
Inditex is a limited company which are listed on the Bolsa de Madrid under the abbreviation ITX.
