Since opening its doors in 1975 in Galicia, Spain, Zara has managed to establish itself as one of the world’s most prolific fashion retailers.
At the time, the brand filled a gap in the marketplace for well-made, upscale-looking clothing, offered at affordable prices. The concept worked, and led to more progressive moves, including the investment of all its capital into production and none into advertising, the manufacture of roughly five times the amount of garments per season than its competitors and the outsourcing of very little of its labor to factories outside of Europe.
Zara was founded by Amancio Ortega and Rosalía Mera, who, in just five short years, initiated an international expansion that led to the brand’s eventual presence in over 70 countries.
Every year, Zara produces close to 11,000 unique garments. Underperforming pieces are retired from the inventory, while basics are reissued from season to season.
It takes only a month for an item to go from the design stage to the retail floor, allowing Zara to stay remarkably up-to-date on ever-changing trends.
