Zalando, the German online fashion platform, is slashing its workforce in Germany as part of a sweeping cost-saving plan. The company plans to cut around 200 jobs at its Berlin headquarters through voluntary redundancies, while closing its logistics centre in Erfurt will result in 2,100 layoffs.
The moves are part of a broader restructuring aimed at reducing operational expenses. Zalando intends to outsource warehouse management, order preparation and delivery services to external firms, which should save several million euros annually.
New jobs, meanwhile, will be created in Bucharest. The company will open a new office there in early 2027, initially hiring 60 employees, with plans to relocate more roles and processes to Romania in the longer term.
Berlin headquarters and voluntary departures
According to the company, the voluntary departure programme in Berlin will affect approximately 200 employees. It covers administrative roles and support functions at the German headquarters. All departures will be voluntary, meaning no forced layoffs are planned for the central office.
The reductions are a direct response to the company’s need to streamline its cost base after years of rapid expansion. Zalando has been under pressure from investors to improve profitability amid rising competition in the European e-commerce market.
Logistics outsourcing and Romanian expansion
The closure of the Erfurt logistics hub by the end of September 2026 will see 2,100 workers lose their jobs. Their work – handling warehouse operations, preparing shipments and managing deliveries – will be taken over by external logistics providers.
At the same time, Zalando is looking east. The new Bucharest office will initially host 60 roles, but the company expects to shift more positions there over time. – In the long term, we plan to move part of our roles and processes to Bucharest and create additional jobs there – said the company in a statement.
Zalando currently serves 62.3 million active customers and offers products from 7,000 brands across 29 markets. The restructuring is intended to preserve its market position while cutting costs.
Źródło: WNP.PL, Fot. Shutterstock
