Zalando

With the AI agent “Extended,” Zalando will give customers the option to buy products through Zalando that are not part of its own assortment, putting it in competition with Google and OpenAI. The company supports the Universal Commerce Protocol to process purchases seamlessly and will start pilots for bulky categories with partners like Westwing from 2027. In the third quarter, revenue rose to €3.2 billion (+5.1%) and adjusted operating profit to €107 million (+10.6%), while a net loss of €18 million was reported; the B2B business grew by 28%. Analysts criticized the gross margin for coming in below expectations. » More on faz.net

Zalando increased revenue to €3.2bn (+5.1%) and adjusted operating profit to €107m (+10.6%); GMV grew 7.5% to €4.5bn. The corporate customer business expanded by 28% and was a major contributor to growth, while the gross margin fell to 38.7% (≈‑2 percentage points), leading to share price losses. The CFO called the margin decline temporary and attributed it to investments in the corporate business; Zalando is also expanding AI applications and expects further growth with “Zalando Extended” and partners like Westwing. » More on wiwo.de

Zalando uses AI on its website and in the app, which has reduced returns for items with specific size recommendations by around 10% on average; virtual fitting rooms cut returns by up to 40% in pilot projects. Zalando will also handle online orders for Marks & Spencer in 22 European markets and earns a fee on each stored and shipped parcel to boost warehouse utilization and lower fixed costs. Analysts have raised profit outlooks, the stock rose about 20% over the past month; third-quarter figures will be released on 3 November. » More on handelsblatt.com

Sereact has deployed its two‑arm robot systems on the Cortex platform in live operation at fulfillment centers in Greven and ?wiebodzin to autonomously handle Zalando returns. The solution identifies, captures and sorts previously unknown garments without object‑specific training and is offered on a Robotics‑as‑a‑Service basis. Zalando is a strategic investor in Sereact’s Series B round, and the partnership aims to expand returns automation across Europe to reduce manual labor and stabilize quality. » More on finanzen.net

Zalando will not pay a dividend for the time being and is prioritizing profitable growth and a solid liquidity reserve; excess capital will be used for share buybacks. Co-CEO Robert Gentz expects further organic growth and announced the development of a “lifestyle AI”. He believes it is unlikely that AI agents will fully replace fashion-related shopping. » More on finanzen.net