The franchise and Zara: is it possible to open a Zara store?

Originally from Coruña in Spain, Zara has enjoyed ever greater success since the opening of its first store in 1975. Launched as a network in Spain at the end of the 1970s, the Zara concept began its internationalization in 1988 with a first store in Porto, Portugal, quickly followed by the opening of a first relay in France and the United States in dawn of the 90s. Since then, the brand has multiplied its openings, to the point that today, Zara, the Inditex Group's flagship brand, has become one of the main international fashion brands with more than 1,400 stores. established in 70 countries.

Fast fashion and timeless basics

Zara's recipes for success? They are well known: speed and responsiveness! In detail, Zara stores constantly receive restocking (twice a week). The group's 300 or so designers scrutinize the sales figures day by day and offer the favorite model of the moment in a multitude of colors and materials. The reaction time between decision, production and delivery is compressed to the maximum. Three weeks later, the new models are on the shelves! This responsiveness, which is in a way the hallmark of the group, allows each boutique to keep fans of very fashionable novelties in suspense. And for the others, the brand offers a whole range of basics at moderate prices. The coexistence of these two ranges on the shelves makes it possible to attract a large clientele. Everyone finds their account!

Strategic locations

Sworn enemy of the Swedish brand H&M, since its creation, the Zara brand always targets strategic locations for its new points of sale. The sales area generally greater than 300 square meters must have clearly visible and constantly renewed windows, on a busy and commercial axis. The sober and neat decor is also one of the hallmarks of the brand. In France, the brand has just over 100 stores open mainly in the main arteries (location No. 1) of regional cities or in the shopping malls of large quality shopping complexes on the outskirts.

Opening a Zara store: is it possible?

Since its first steps in Spain in the 1970s, the Inditex group, creator and owner of the Zara brand, has opted for development solely in branches in order to to be sure of the correct application of its original concept. All points of sale are therefore the exclusive property of Inditex. This strategic brand choice shared by many brands such as H&M, C&A, or Marks & Spencer, means that each point of sale is managed by a salaried director of the parent company.

The franchise and Zara: is it possible to open a Zara store?

It is therefore not possible for an individual entrepreneur to open a Zara store as a franchise.

What alternatives to Zara as a franchise?

Several well-known brands in the fashion sector are developing as a franchise, brand license, partnership or affiliation in France. Among these brands we can mention:

For the whole family:

Founded in 1968 in California, the Esprit brand markets casual chic clothing for men, women and children. The Esprit group is present in more than 40 countries, has more than 1,000 directly managed stores and more than 10,000 retailers. Developed as a franchise since 1989, the Esprit network offers designers great business opportunities in the casual and chic fashion sector. Joining this network requires a minimum personal contribution of €50,000.

Developed both as a franchise and as an affiliation commission, the German brand S.Oliver is a safe bet in the ready-to-wear sector. Indeed, today this family group is present through 10,566 points of sale in more than 40 countries. Its collections are aimed at the whole family in the city center but also in shopping centres. To join this dynamic network, the candidate must have a minimum personal contribution of €50,000 (entry fee €9,000).

Developed as a franchise since 2013, the Tom Tailor brand draws on a long experience in fashion for the whole family, which began in 1962. Its urban collections oscillate between casual, sportswear and denim models. As at Zara or H&M, Tom Tailor relies on a reactive model. From the creation to the delivery of new pieces of clothing in store, the delay is a maximum of 28 weeks. To join this strong brand of 1,300 stores internationally, the candidate must have a minimum personal contribution of €50,000 (entry fee €7,000 - overall investment €200,000).

Exclusively for women:

Developed as an affiliate commission since 2012, the Karl Marc John brand descends from the Vanitex group, founded in 1987. The Karl Marc John boutiques are small, sober and stylish settings located in the main shopping streets. The ranges presented by the brand are fresh and soft depending on the season and are aimed at women but also at young girls aged 8 to 16, thanks to its Little Marc John line. To join this network, the candidate must have a minimum personal contribution of €30,000 (entry fee €10,000 - overall investment €50,000).

Developed in affiliate commission since 1998, Julie & Co is a multi-brand ready-to-wear concept. This network distributes both branded clothing from its brand (Julie Guerlande) but also chic and colorful complementary brands. To join this network, which is developing in No. 1 city center or shopping center locations, the candidate must have a minimum personal contribution of €22,500 (entry fee €5,000 - overall investment €75,000).

Developed through affiliate commissions and franchises since 2015, the Comma brand was born in Germany in 1973. A subsidiary of the S.Oliver group since 2008, this brand offers 12 women's collections a year in a modern and chic casual style. To join this network, the candidate must have a minimum personal contribution of €50,000 (entry fee €9,000).

Note: Franchised ready-to-wear is also available in a version exclusively for men with brands like Hopenlife, accessible with a minimum personal contribution of €20,000 (entry fee €15,000 - overall investment €55,000 ), but also in children's versions with brands like Gocco, accessible from €50,000 (entry fee €24,000) and Sergent Major, accessible from €60,000 (entry fee €10,000).

Other networks should also be followed, particularly in sportswear with brands like Karanta or Sohbi Sport, not to mention lingerie (Read our article “Lingerie: French women more cotton than lace”).