Zalando Co-CEO: Building Europe's Fashion Giant, AI in Retail and the European Dream

Robert Gentz, co-founder and co-CEO of Zalando, discusses the company's journey from selling flip-flops to becoming Europe's leading online fashion platform with Nicolai Tangen. Gentz reflects on Zalando's early days, including the challenges posed by the 2008 financial crisis and the importance of frugality. He explains Zalando's flywheel model, emphasizing selection and customer relationships, and the company's expansion into various categories and European markets. Gentz also highlights Zalando's B2B services, which leverage their logistical infrastructure for other brands, and how AI is used to improve size recommendations and optimize logistics. Furthermore, he addresses Zalando's commitment to sustainability and its approach to competition with ultra-low-cost competitors.