Japanese Fashion E-Tailer Zozo’s Transaction Value Hits New High
During its financial year ending March 2021, the Softbank-backed operator of online fashion platform Zozotown — as well as the recently launched luxury portal Zozovilla and beauty e-tailer Zozocosme — reported that its transaction value was up 22 percent year-on-year, hitting a new high of 419.4 billion yen ($3.8 billion), Nikkei Asia reports.
Zozo’s investments into fit tech are proving fruitful under the leadership of president Kotaro Sawada, who took over from founder Yusaku Maezawa in 2019. According to the firm, over one million shoppers have ordered its Zozoglass, a smart eyewear device launched in March that analyses its wearer’s skin type to facilitate product recommendations on its app. Last year, Zozo launched its Zozomat, which generates 3D footwear sizing data.
Last year, the firm announced that its infamous Zozosuit, launched under Maezawa as a fit tech solution for Zozo’s in-house labels, would be made available for other brands. Beyond the suit, Sawada is looking to grow Zozo into a player that not only sells goods but works with brands throughout the value chain, from manufacturing to logistics. This year, it set up a unit that advises brands on their operations and infrastructure.