Zalando Shuts Erfurt Logistics Centre, Impacting 2,700 Workers
Zalando, the prominent online fashion retailer, has announced the closure of its logistics centre in Erfurt, Germany, impacting 2,700 employees. The decision, revealed by the Berlin-headquartered, DAX-listed company, will take effect at the end of September, with employees currently being informed of the forthcoming changes.
The closure is a strategic move stemming from Zalando’s realignment of its pan-European logistics network following the acquisition of fellow online fashion retailer, About You, last year. As a result of this restructuring, the Erfurt-based operating company responsible for the site, a subsidiary of Zalando, will cease operations entirely by the end of the year. However, the company assures that operations will continue uninterrupted until that time.
Zalando has initiated discussions with the site’s works council to develop a reconciliation of interests and, crucially, a social plan designed to support affected employees and provide them with future prospects. Company spokesperson Christian Schmidt confirmed the commencement of these talks.
Established in 2012, the Erfurt logistics centre represents Zalando’s sole large-scale, wholly-owned logistics facility in eastern Germany, according to Schmidt. Zalando will continue to operate significant logistics centres in other German locations, including Giessen, Lahr (Black Forest), and Mönchengladbach. Following the planned restructuring, Zalando’s logistics network will comprise a total of 14 centres across seven countries.
