ZARA

What it does

The ZARA app is the primary mobile commerce platform for the global fashion retailer. It allows users to browse and purchase the latest clothing, accessories, and beauty products for women, men, and children. Beyond standard e-commerce, the app integrates a pre-owned marketplace for users to buy and sell second-hand Zara items, and includes features that connect the online and in-store shopping experiences.

Where it shines

The app excels at creating a comprehensive, omnichannel ecosystem. A standout feature is the in-app size recommendation tool (04:47), which asks for user measurements and preferences to suggest the best fit, tackling a common online shopping problem. Another strength is the full integration of the 'ZARA PRE-OWNED' marketplace (07:38), which promotes circular fashion and keeps users within the Zara ecosystem for the entire lifecycle of a garment. The app also effectively bridges digital and physical retail with its store locator and in-store service features (11:28).

UX highlights

The app offers multiple, context-aware search methods, including standard text search, voice search, image search, and barcode scanning (12:41), catering to various user needs.
A 'Quick Add' feature on product listing pages (03:33) allows users to select a size and add an item to their bag without navigating to a separate product detail page, streamlining the shopping process.
The size recommendation tool uses clear visual aids for body shapes (05:08), making abstract inputs intuitive and easy for users to answer accurately.
Filters and sorting options are robust and immediately update the product grid, allowing for efficient browsing of the large catalog (03:00).
The shopping bag features a clean swipe-to-delete gesture with a convenient 'Undo' option (15:15), a familiar pattern that makes cart management simple.
The app effectively uses permissions warm-up screens during onboarding to explain the value of enabling features like notifications and location tracking (00:42).

Monetization & growth

The primary monetization model is direct-to-consumer e-commerce. The app does not feature any subscription services or in-app purchases beyond the products themselves. A key growth and retention strategy is the 'ZARA PRE-OWNED' section, which introduces a new revenue stream through transaction fees or commissions on peer-to-peer sales. This feature also promotes sustainability, a growing factor in consumer loyalty. The app's omnichannel features, such as booking fitting rooms or checking in-store stock, are designed to drive foot traffic to physical locations, supporting another core revenue channel.

Who it’s for

The app is for fashion-conscious consumers who already shop at Zara or are interested in fast-fashion trends. It caters to a wide demographic, with dedicated sections for women, men, and kids. The inclusion of the pre-owned marketplace also targets sustainability-minded and budget-conscious shoppers, expanding the app's appeal. It's designed for both purely online shoppers and those who want to use it as a companion for their in-store visits.

Notes & opportunities

The mandatory account creation before any browsing (01:51) is a point of significant friction and could deter new users who want to explore the catalog casually. Offering a 'Continue as guest' option could lower the barrier to entry. While the search functionality is powerful, the results for the image search (14:27) seemed broad, suggesting an opportunity to fine-tune the visual search algorithm for more precise matches. Finally, the phone verification step (02:38) could be made optional or deferred to the point of purchase to reduce sign-up abandonment.