Muskan Taneja
4 min read
The Rise of E-commerce Apps in the Fashion Industry
E-commerce mobile app development is transforming how fashion retailers connect with consumers. Brands like Zalando are setting benchmarks by combining fashion with cutting-edge technology, including blockchain and AI-based personalization.
The growing trend of online shopping in fashion is not just a convenience but a revolution. According to market analysts, global e-commerce fashion sales are expected to reach $821 billion by 2024 and soar to $1.2 trillion by 2027, highlighting the immense potential in this sector.
If you're considering entering this lucrative industry and want to develop a fashion shopping app like Zalando, this guide outlines everything you need from key features, development steps to cost estimation.
What is the Zalando App?
The Zalando app is a user-friendly e-commerce platform offering a seamless shopping experience. With over 37.44 million visits, Zalando is a top online fashion destination. Its clean interface allows users to browse clothing, footwear, and accessories effortlessly. The app supports multiple payment methods, including credit cards, digital wallets, and bank transfers.
A standout feature of Zalando is its integration with social media platforms, allowing fashion enthusiasts to share their favorite finds, receive feedback, and even make purchases directly through social apps.
If you see potential in investing in a Zalando-like app, consult an experienced e-commerce app development company to achieve your business goals.
Why Invest in E-commerce App Development?
If you're in the retail or fashion industry, now is the perfect time to tap into the growing mobile commerce market. Here’s why building your own e-commerce app like Zalando is a smart move:
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Improved Brand Image and Customer Convenience
A mobile app not only strengthens your brand presence but also offers 24/7 accessibility to your customers. From intuitive UI/UX to high-resolution images and faster checkout, a dedicated app elevates the user experience and brand perception.
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Access to Valuable Customer Data and Behavioural Insights
With built-in analytics, your app can track user preferences, purchasing patterns, and engagement levels. This data helps you improve product offerings, personalize marketing efforts, and make data-backed decisions.
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Significant Time and Cost Savings Through Automation
By automating order management, push notifications, inventory updates, and payment processing, your app streamlines operations and reduces reliance on traditional marketing and sales channels.
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Gain a Competitive Edge in the Digital Marketplace
While many businesses still rely solely on websites, a mobile app gives you an edge by delivering an interactive, on-the-go shopping experience, which is crucial in today’s mobile-first consumer world.
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Future-Proofing Your Business in a Mobile-First Era
With mobile commerce outpacing desktop, a shopping app ensures your business remains relevant and adaptable to emerging tech trends and consumer habits.
Key Steps to Develop an App Like Zalando
Creating a successful fashion e-commerce app requires a mix of strategic planning, technical execution, and ongoing innovation. Here’s a comprehensive roadmap:
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Define Your Fashion Niche and Target Audience
Focus on a specific market segment—whether it’s luxury fashion, eco-conscious apparel, or urban streetwear. Understand their preferences, spending behaviour, and mobile usage patterns to tailor the app experience accordingly.
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Conduct In-Depth Market Research and Competitive Analysis
Study your competitors like Zalando, ASOS, and H&M. Identify gaps in user experience, pricing models, and features. Use this insight to offer something unique that sets your app apart.
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Identify and Prioritize Key E-commerce App Features
At the core, your app must have a robust product catalogue, smart search filters, secure checkout, and real-time order tracking. Additionally, focus on integrating personalized recommendations, size guides, and easy return policies.
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Design a Visually Appealing and User-Friendly Interface
Your UI/UX design should reflect your brand identity while ensuring easy navigation. Use high-quality product images, intuitive layouts, and consistent branding to create an enjoyable shopping experience.
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Partner with a Reliable App Development Company for Backend Development and Security
A skilled team will help you build a secure, scalable, and GDPR-compliant app. Ensure robust encryption for transactions and personal data, and opt for cloud-based solutions for better scalability.
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Conduct Thorough Testing and Launch Strategically
Test your app rigorously across devices and operating systems. Identify bugs, gather feedback from beta users, and fix usability issues before going live.
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Post-Launch Maintenance and Continuous Improvement
Keep your app updated with the latest fashion trends, seasonal collections, and new features. Regularly monitor performance metrics and user feedback to refine the user experience.
Must-Have Features of an E-commerce App Like Zalando
To build a competitive e-commerce app, consider these essential features:
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Registration & Profiles - Easy account creation for a smooth onboarding experience
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Product Listing & Search - Advanced filters (brand, size, color, price) for seamless browsing.
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Shopping Cart & Secure Checkout – Multiple payment options and a user-friendly cart system.
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User Reviews & Ratings - Community-driven feedback for informed purchasing decisions.
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Personalized Recommendations - AI-driven suggestions based on user behavior.
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Push Notifications - Alerts for new arrivals, sales, and order updates.
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Order Tracking - Real-time updates on processing, shipping, and delivery.
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Return & Refund Management - Easy returns with clear refund policies.
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Shop the Look Feature - Curated outfit suggestions for effortless styling.
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Size Recommendation Tool - AI-based size suggestions to minimize returns.
How Much Does It Cost to Develop an App Like Zalando?
The cost of developing a Zalando-like app depends on various factors, including features, tech stack, and development team expertise. Here’s a rough estimate:
| Development Type | Estimated Cost | Time Frame |
|---|---|---|
| Basic E-commerce App | $9,000 – $14,000 | 3 – 6 Months |
| Medium-Complexity App | $14,000 – $21,000 | 6 – 9 Months |
| High-Complexity App | $30,000+ | 10+ Months |
Maintenance Costs
App maintenance typically costs 15-20% of the initial development cost annually. Factors affecting maintenance costs include:
- Regular updates and security patches
- New feature integration
- Customer support and bug fixes
Final Thoughts
With the global shift toward mobile-first shopping, developing a Zalando-like e-commerce app is an opportunity to lead the digital fashion market. The key lies in offering a seamless, secure, and highly personalized shopping experience that keeps users coming back.
But turning this vision into a fully functional, revenue-generating app requires the right technical expertise.
Ready to Build an App Like Zalando? Partner with Whiten App Solutions
At Whiten App Solutions, we specialize in custom fashion e-commerce app development. From ideation and UI/UX design to development, QA testing, and post-launch support—we offer end-to-end services tailored to your brand’s goals.
Let’s turn your idea into the next big fashion-tech app.
Get in touch with Whiten App Solutions to book your free consultation today!
FAQs
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How long does it take to develop an app like Zalando?
A full-cycle e-commerce app development takes approximately 3–10 months, depending on complexity.
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What are the must-have features for a Zalando-like shopping app?
Essential features include user profiles, product search, shopping cart, secure checkout, order tracking, and personalized recommendations.
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How much does it cost to maintain an e-commerce app?
Maintenance typically costs 15–20% of the app’s initial development cost per year.
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Can I integrate blockchain in my e-commerce app?
Yes, blockchain can enhance security, ensure transparent transactions, and enable decentralized payments.
