Zalando: How Ukrainian brands can conquer the Swiss fashion market

Switzerland is one of the most desirable markets for any business. High purchasing power, strong interest in quality products, and its status as a European center of luxury make it especially attractive for fashion brands. The key to this market is Zalando.ch — the local version of the largest European fashion platform, which dominates in Switzerland.

However, entering the Swiss market has its own specifics, as the country is not a member of the EU. In this article, we will explain how a Ukrainian brand can successfully launch on Zalando.ch and how GlobalPost helps overcome unique logistical and customs challenges.

Why the Swiss Market and Zalando.ch

Zalando.ch is the Swiss version of the leading European online platform for selling clothing, footwear, and accessories. For a Ukrainian brand, choosing this platform is a strategically sound decision for several key reasons:

• High purchasing power: Swiss consumers have one of the highest income levels in Europe and are willing to pay for quality and uniqueness.
• Market leader: Zalando.ch is the undisputed leader in online fashion retail in the country. Presence on this platform gives instant access to millions of loyal customers.
• Trust in the platform: Swiss shoppers value reliability. The well-known Zalando name removes any trust barriers for a new Ukrainian brand.

Thus, the combination of a wealthy audience, market dominance, and built-in trust makes this platform the ideal entry point for Ukrainian brands aiming to conquer the prestigious Swiss market.

Step-by-step guide to entering Zalando.ch

The process of entering the platform may seem complicated, but when broken down into logical steps, it becomes completely clear and manageable.

Step 1: Internal preparation
Before knocking on Zalando’s door, make sure your brand is ready. This includes:

• EAN codes: Every item and size in your product range must have a unique European barcode.
• Professional content: High-quality studio product photos that meet Zalando’s strict requirements.
• Legal entity: A registered company or sole proprietorship (FOP) that can conduct international operations.

Step 2: Apply to the Zalando Partner Program
This is the official start of your journey. You fill out an application on the Zalando partner portal, providing full information about your brand. After that, the verification and negotiation process begins.

Step 3: Choosing your logistics model and warehouse
At the same time as Zalando’s approval process, you’ll need to decide on your logistics setup. At this stage, you determine where your goods will be physically delivered.

• Model A: Using Zalando’s warehouses (ZFS). You choose to work through the platform’s own fulfillment service. Zalando provides you with the address of its EU-based warehouse.
• Model B: Using a third-party logistics provider (3PL). You independently choose a logistics partner in the EU or Switzerland. After signing the agreement, you receive the warehouse address.

Step 4: First shipment with GlobalPost — your bridge to warehouses in the EU and Switzerland
Once you have the final delivery address (Zalando’s or your 3PL partner’s warehouse), the most important practical step begins — physically shipping your first batch from Ukraine. This is where GlobalPost comes in. Our role is to make this step simple, transparent, and reliable. We provide:

• Door-to-door delivery. We collect your goods in Ukraine and deliver them precisely to the selected warehouse in the EU or Switzerland.
• Customs clearance support. Our specialists handle the entire customs process, sparing you the paperwork and potential issues at the border.
• Expert support. We advise you on proper document preparation and answer all questions related to international logistics for e-commerce.

Learn more about our business solutions or calculate the estimated delivery cost for your shipment using our online calculator.

Step 5: Technical integration and launch
While your goods are in transit, you finalize settings in your Zalando dashboard: upload product photos and descriptions, set pricing. Once your goods arrive at the warehouse and are checked in, your listings go live on Zalando.ch. Congratulations, your sales have begun!

Costs of working with Zalando: main fees

Important: Zalando does not publish official rates for all sellers. Exact figures are individual and specified in your contract after you apply.

Here’s what typical costs include:

• Sales commission: A percentage of the sale price. Usually ranges from 5% to 25%, depending on the product category.
• Monthly subscription fee: A fixed payment for participating in the partner program.
• ZFS logistics fee: Charged only if you use Zalando’s warehouses, covering storage, packing, and shipping.

The only way to find out the exact numbers for your brand is to discuss them with a Zalando manager during negotiations.

Conclusion

Entering Zalando.ch is not a chaotic set of actions, but a clear sequence of steps. By understanding this process and having a reliable logistics partner to handle delivery and customs matters, a Ukrainian brand can confidently plan its expansion into one of the most profitable markets in Europe. GlobalPost takes care of the entire complexity of international shipping, ensuring reliable, coordinated, and timely delivery of your shipment to the selected warehouse in the EU or Switzerland — opening the path to your success.

This article is dedicated to business solutions. However, if you need to send a personal parcel or gift to Switzerland, you can learn about rates and conditions on our services page for private customers. From large commercial shipments to heartfelt gifts for loved ones — our approach remains the same: reliability and care for every client.