Zara is a Spanish apparel retailer and offers fast fashion products. It includes clothing, accessories, shoes, swimwear, beauty and perfumes. Currently, it operates under the Inditex Group and is the largest company within it. The company started its operations in 1975. It also owns 2,270 stores in various markets.
Zara is active in various segments. However, the company has also attracted significant competition in those areas. Zara has developed a name for itself in the market. Its brand is well-known and recognizable worldwide. However, it still faces competition in its active areas. The top 10 Zara competitors and alternatives include the following companies.
1. H&M
H & M Hennes & Mauritz AB (H&M) is a multinational clothing company based in Stockholm, Sweden. The company focuses on fast-fashion clothing for men, women, teenagers and children. Currently, it operates in over 74 countries and owns more than 5,00 stores. The company also holds various company brands. H&M also ranks as the second-largest global clothing retailer.
H&M started its operations in 1947 through Erling Persson. At the time, it was only a local shop in Sweden. The company has grown its business to other areas over the years. In 2000, the company also entered the US. In 2019, H&M generated revenues of $24.8 billion. Then, it also made operating and net income of $1.8 billion and $1.5 billion, respectively.
2. Uniqlo
Uniqlo is a Japanese casual wear designer, manufacturer and retailer. The company operates under Fast Retailing Co., Ltd. Initially, it started operations in Yamaguchi, Japan, in 1949. After that, it expanded its operations to other areas in Japan. Over the years, Uniqlo has also grown its brand into other markets. These include the US, the UK, Belgium, Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Singapore, etc.
Like other Zara competitors and alternatives, Uniqlo also focuses on fast-fashion retail. It also ranks among the top clothes manufacturers worldwide. Currently, it dominates the Asian market, where Zara does not have the same prominence. The company also focuses on producing and selling everyday wear at affordable prices. Uniqlo also ranks among Asia’s largest clothing retailers.
3. Fast Retailing
Fast Retailing is another top Zara competitor and alternative. The company is a multinational retail holding company that operates various brands. As mentioned above, its primary subsidiary includes Uniqlo. On top of that, it also consists of brands such as GU, J Brand, Theory, Princesse Tam-Tam and Comptoir des Cotonniers. The company started its operations in 1963 under Tadashi Yanai.
Fast Retailing operates in various markets through its subsidiaries and brands. The company started its operations in Japan as Ogōri Shōji Co., Ltd. At that time, it was a menswear store in Ube, Yamaguchi. The company expanded its operations in Hiroshima City, which formed the base for Uniqlo. In 1991, the company changed its name to Fast Retailing. In 1994, it went public on the Hiroshima Stock Exchange.
4. Forever 21
Forever 21 is an American fast-fashion retailer. Currently, it operates from Lost Angeles, California. The company started its operations through a store called Fashion 21 in 1984. Since then, it has expanded its clothing lines through various brands. These include Forever 21, XXI Forever, Love 21 and Heritage. The company also operates over 700 stores worldwide.
Forever 21 focuses on fashionable offerings. On top of that, it is well-known for its inexpensive products. The company manufactures and sell several products. These include clothing items, accessories, beauty products, home goods, etc. In 2017, Forever 21 generated revenues of $3.4 billion. For the same period, its net income was $124 million.
5. Gucci
Gucci does not compete with other fast-fashion brands. Instead, it is a high-end luxury fashion house. The company operates from Florence, Italy. It is well-known for its quality products despite coming with significantly high prices. Currently, the company offers various items. These include handbags, footwear, makeup, home decoration, fragrances, ready-to-wear, etc.
Gucci started its operations in 1921 under Guccio Gucci. The company became a global brand under Aldo Gucci, the founder’s son. In 2019, the company operated over 487 stores in various locations. Currently, it operates under Kering, a French-based multinational corporation specializing in luxury goods. Gucci is one of the top Zara competitors and alternatives in several markets.
6. Nike
Nike is an American multinational corporation. The company designs, manufactures and sells footwear, apparel, equipment, accessories and services. However, it focuses on producing items for athletes and sports. The company does not compete with Zara in its primary market. However, it still poses a threat to its business through its substitute and alternate products.
Nike started its operations in 1964 as Blue Ribbon Sports. The company later changed its name to Nike in 1971. Although it started small, the company has expanded its operations to a global market over the years. In 2020, Nike generated revenues of $37.40 billion. However, the COVID-19 impacted its operations significantly. Despite that, it is one of the largest companies in the US in revenues.
7. Gap
Gap is a multinational clothing and accessories retailer based in the US. The company started its operations in 1969. Currently, it operates from San Francisco. Gap segregates its operations into six divisions. Each represents a different brand that the company operates under its primary brand. In 2017, Gap held almost 3,600 locations worldwide.
Gap provides one of the top alternatives to the products offered by Zara. The company holds a diversified portfolio of products, which helps it increase its revenues and profits. In 2020, Gap reported revenues of $13.8 billion. However, these revenues include the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which impacted operations in the industry.
8. Adidas
Adidas AG is a German multinational company that operates in the clothing and apparel industry. The company operates from Bavaria, Germany. Currently, it is the largest sportswear manufacturer in Europe and second-largest globally. The company manufactures footwear, clothing and accessories. However, it primarily focuses on products for athletes and sports.
Adidas started its operations in 1924. Despite having limited functions, the company has expanded to cover a worldwide market. In some markets, it poses as a competitor or alternative to Zara. In 2018, Adidas reported revenues of €21.915 billion. These revenues helped the company make an operating income of €2.368 billion.
9. Sephora
Sephora is a French multinational company that produces and sells personal care and beauty products. The company also operates 340 brands. Among these, the company also holds its private label called Sephora Collection. Sephora offers cosmetics, skincare, body, fragrance, nail polish, beauty tools, hair care and body lotions. The company started its operations in Paris in 1970.
Sephora initially covered limited markets. However, it expanded its operations to other areas, including the US and Canada. The company also launched its online store, which helped with its growth. Sephora holds over 2,600 stores globally. In 2019, the company generated revenues of $10 billion, an estimated amount. Sephora operates as a subsidiary under the LVMH brand.
10. Ralph Lauren
Ralph Lauren Corporation is a fashion company that started under the well-known design Ralph Lauren. The company works from New York City. Currently, it operates in the luxury industry. However, it still poses a threat to Zara and other brands in the market. The company also holds various well-known brands. These include Lauren Ralph Lauren, Chas, Polo Ralph Lauren, Double RL, etc.
Ralph Lauren has also been one of the most prominent names in the industry with years of experience. The company started its operations in 1967. Currently, it offers products in various areas. These include luxury clothing, footwear, fragrances, jewelry, furniture, etc. In 2018, Ralph Lauren generated revenues of $6.182 billion.
Conclusion
Zara is a well-known clothing and accessories company based in Spain. The company has developed a niche market for its products over the years. Currently, it offers various products in locations spanning over different continents. Zara also faces significant competition in those locations. The list of the top 10 Zara competitors and alternatives is available above.
