The Secret Behind Zara’s Success

[@N.B.2022]

I worked in Zara (UK stores) in the mid 2000s and I think one of the reasons Zara is so successful is at limiting "waste" within their merchandising. They're so agile, well-managed and they look at their sales-data very frequently. Sales (of products) are tracked HOURLY, stores-turnovers are given at the end of the day (and the store-manager would note of any things that might have contributed to that day's result: weather, road-works, any events that might affect footfall...etc). Also, Zara would NEVER transfer stock between the stores unless in very extreme circumstances. They really didn't need to, with the huge amount of data at their fingerprints, they knew to allocate just the right amount of stock needed to each store.............ALSO, when it comes to merchandising, there's a TWO-TIER system within their stores. NOT all stores get the same stock. Only specific stores get the limited-edition lines, for instance, and in the UK, Zara would be pay special attention to the performance of a handful of stores to paint an overall picture of what styles were performing at national level.

[@understitchYT]

Really a fascinating company. Ive not heard a bad story from someone that worked in the stores

[@PinPinKula]

what falls under limited edition lines? womanswear sewn in portugal, spain, north africa?

[@PinPinKula]

i feel like nothing that is sewn in these 3 countries is even their design, that is whole manswear, kidswear and half of the womanswear is bought on the wholesale market. Thats what i managed to deduce. Feel free to correct me.

[@christopherfeatherley]

I always found Zara interesting when compared to its competitors at the mall I go to; those being H&M and Forever 21. Despite how expensive Zara is, the controversies, and lack of quality, it's still always packed full. I honestly think it's because of the aesthetic they've somehow managed to maintain. You can tell from the slick black signature of their stores, the yellowish dim lights they use on their racks, along with their fragrances. They really come off as high end, despite being far from it. I think Zara has mastered that market, which Forever 21 and H&M haven't. Personally, since I do not shop a lot, I've been able to avoid shopping at fast fashion retailers. I just find their success interesting, as while all other stores (at my mall) suffer from lack of foot traffic, Zara is literally the only store with a line; and I never shop during the holiday seasons. As always, thank you for the in depth video! I was always curious about Zara's orgins. I didn't know about them until college, and I was actually surprised they were a fast fashion brand. I thought they were upscale when I first browse their site!

[@understitchYT]

I agree with your synopsis about how theyve remained a feel of luxury in stores, they are meticulously curated. Also I think their plan of only having limited amounts of each item helps a lot too. A huge problem wth HM and F21 is you just know when someone has bought something from there because youve seen it uourself, but Zara always seems fresh fortheir stocking practices. They really put emphasis on desirability and it show

[@yanikeonpurpose]

Great points 👏🏾

[@persephrotisv.2655]

I used to work at Zara! Their design team is key. They’ve managed emulating runway trends and bringing it to life in a short time (designs take a week I think once trends are spotted). That way, they’re always “on trend” especially with how fast consumer preferences change. The store is also specifically designed to not be too particular with any style. It’s a mix of everything whereas H&M is usually more minimal, Forever 21 very Y2K.

[@christopherfeatherley]

@@persephrotisv.2655 Thank you for the insight! I was wondering why Zara had such a different vibe to it. I think people generally know to get affordable basics at H&M and "quirky" things at Forever 21. I think Zara stands out in that sense

[@Luckimee]

I love Zara and have gotten some great pieces from there. Sucks they started charging for online returns they didn't before they would just give you a return label

[@fussbrain9161]

I love the amount of effort you put into your videos

[@understitchYT]

Thank you so much 🥰

[@EXOL_1485]

Listening to this while cooking dinner. Perfect timing bestie

[@understitchYT]

Ah great timing, thanks Elle 🤍

[@EXOL_1485]

@@understitchYT anytime

[@venusbby]

A like cause you’re an exol

[@EXOL_1485]

@@venusbby you too?

[@ruhaninudrathossain9277]

I love how well-researched your videos are!

[@understitchYT]

Thank you so much 🤍

[@filmingyu6623]

Yes more content on ZARA pls! More so how they do marketing, selling, branding, and without heavily using influencers. Thank you.

[@understitchYT]

Im glad you enjoyed it

[@NadaNada-se8pq]

I would love a deeper dive on Zara and Inditex! I didn’t learn until recently that Massimo Dutti was within the tentacles of Inditex. Several jobs ago, I would often shop at Massimo Dutti while on work trips to the Middle East. Back home in the U.S., women would sometimes stop me to ask where my item of clothing was from, and I would have to explain that it was from a Zara-like store that wasn’t (yet) in the U.S. or even online. I didn’t realize until many years later that my description was actually really accurate!

[@understitchYT]

You must be a very intuitive person 😅

[@leoprg5330]

As I matured I moved from shopping at Zara to Massimo Dutti. Only thing I dislike is their sizing, which is too small for average central European man. It's all too short and they often end at size XL (I am not oversized or obese)

[@Mamitarococo69]

Thanks for this history class. As always, your videos are top notch ❤

[@understitchYT]

Glad you enjoyed it 🥰

[@CWLim-gu6wx]

I would love a deep dive on Zara in terms of marketing and merchandising. Not sure if you have already done this but it would be interesting to see a video on H&M, Shein & Uniqlo as well.

[@understitchYT]

Ive not done many high street brands, I have a playlist for it, its hard to gauge interest in those videos tbh

[@firavv]

I boycott Zara, this video is high quality nonetheless

[@understitchYT]

As long as you like the video 😅 to me you can appreciate things without necessarily wanting to monetarily engage with it

[@Kate-lk6tw]

@@understitchYTNothing to appreciate about Zara et al, unless you abandon or suspend values of decency. So many so, just to adorn themselves. We have a crisis of morality.

[@strawbz3354]

Get a life ​@@Kate-lk6tw

[@jackiedelvalle]

​@@Kate-lk6twOf ignorance: most people shopping there have zero clue about their supply chain 'issues'. It's just cute clothes.

[@navpreetsingh8063]

Why

[@robrobben6066]

I‘m happy that the horrible Zara app prevents me from shopping there most of the time, it’s annoying. Not to speak of the questionable production methods and the increasing poor quality.

[@understitchYT]

The outsourcing of their owned factories is a real shame, the fact they were able to begin defying that trend and have now fallen victim to it is really unfortunate

[@teslaandhumanity7383]

I agree the app isn’t great finding items .

[@udbhav27]

Love this channel. A nuanced approach to the history of this beautiful industry.

[@understitchYT]

I'm glad you enjoyed it

[@sallyally8835]

This was a great video. Inditex was my first retail job. Wouldn't mind watching a part two!

[@understitchYT]

Lots of requests for a part two, Ill have to think of a good framework

[@zethuzulu7202]

I would be very interested in your 4P analysis as well as the merchandising aspect for Zara - it seems sooo interesting how they manage to just thrive in the face of theft accusations, user-unfriendly app and price point for the quality of clothing. Great video, as always!

[@understitchYT]

There is a lot more Id like to say about Zara, but for sure it should be in conjunction with other high street retailers, for comparison. The design theft thing especially would be very interesting

[@mar_tuuu]

I HAVE BEEN WAITIING FOR THIS VIDEO THANK YOUUUUUUUUU

[@understitchYT]

YESSSS

[@germanflores7892]

Seeing my native city and you, the channel I binge for hours (this and underskin), feels like a full circle moment! A Coruña, where I am from, is definitely Zara-land! But really, SO excited to see you talk about my home ❤😊

[@understitchYT]

Oh thats so cool! How is Zara seen there?

[@germanflores7892]

@@understitchYTit is very divisive! Some like me see it as a blessing that a small coastal town became an international fashion hub where people like Kate Moss and Steven Meisel come to visit. For others, they find it shallow and, well, the usual fashion judgement.

[@olallamatos6075]

I'm from Coruña as well. Inditex is a difficult topic in the city. A lot of people work for them directly or indirectly. They have change the city, it's more shallow now. But at the same time there is a lot of stuff cultural,amenities, restaurants "thanks" to them. They live in their own bubble. If they coming from outside the city they usually don't mix with other people. Probably we complain more about the people who work in Inditex ( Arteixo) . But we know to be this rich and influential a lot of people have to be treated poorly so you can make the maximum profit. I tried not to buy at the shop because we look all the same, because everyone buys in zara

[@Ivan-vz3cc]

Please please make a deep dive about their stores, clothes and other! I loved this video very much!❤❤❤

[@understitchYT]

Ill note that vte down 😅 thank you

[@litalpeled2055]

I second that

[@joshmiller7777]

A fascinating video. I have always been surprised by how well they have kept up with industry trends. Whilst I avoid fast fashion, they are an intriguing and in many ways a well run brand

[@understitchYT]

Its very impressive from a logistical standpoint. In a way thats what makes Shein such a force because for so long noone thought they could be improved on in terms of speed

[@astalagriotte]

Thank you for a wonderful video as usual! I’d love to see a video on Benetton (given the challenges they’re facing at the moment) and on Uniqlo ❤

[@understitchYT]

Benetton has a FASCINATING history, but I worry a little if theres an interested audience in that video

[@astalagriotte]

@@understitchYTtotally biased here since I’m Italian and went often to Benetton when I was younger :)

[@understitchYT]

@@astalagriotte not a bad bias to have 🥰

[@MaskedHoolagin]

I love the quality that goes into your videos. I never thought i'd learn so much about Zara and you just barely scratched the surface of their brand. I'm torn between you covering more brands or doing a deep dive on Zara . I think most people talk about their controversies so this was an interesting pov talk about how and why the brand got to where it's at rn

[@emeralda.t]

I must tell you, I love your work! I appreciate how perfectly done these videos are and your dedicated research for each brand! Also, if you recorded a story, a lá Calm app, I would absolutely listen to it to ease any anxious moments haha. Again, well done as always!

[@understitchYT]

Sorry whats the calm app I havent heard of it? Is it just like soothing stories to chill you out?

[@emeralda.t]

@@understitchYT Yes, it's focused on mindfulness and there are stories narrated by soothing voices, such as yours!

[@understitchYT]

@@emeralda.t soothing is a very kind way to describe my voice 🤣🤍

[@morasuarez1314]

Hi! Great video! I would love it if you could make a series of videos where you cover more about the areas you couldn't include in this one, like their marketing strategy and their social media strategy.

[@understitchYT]

Thank you for that vote, I’m still trying to gauge interest, but I am interested in them

[@Mariathinking]

Your videos are consistently great, both from a fashion and bisness perspective. You're gonna get a million subscribers one day. 😉😉

[@understitchYT]

I don’t know if I ever get there, there are fashion creators going almost 10 years that haven’t got that, I just don’t know if there’s that audience on KZbin

[@curlychavelita]

I find it interesting that they crank out clothes and fragrances. They have so many dupes of BR540 and YSL libre.

[@understitchYT]

Theres so much money in fragrances, a massive revenue stream Im sure

[@jo7th]

This is a great piece of work and would ❤ a deep dive into some of the other layers around the brand and broader business. I (like many of your commenters) have issue with Zara, but that should mean we understand some of the characteristics and evolution of the business even more. Your vids are the best - thank you (lots of work!)

[@understitchYT]

To me, I feel like there is something to learn from every brand, and even if it’s not one’s taste, Zara have made incredible innovations and they are a brilliant company to learn from, even if you have no intention of ever shopping there

[@olumideakingbade982]

At one point in my life, I used to shop at Zara - head to toe. Love your attention to detail and the incredible research you put into your pieces. PS. The videos at the end were very Edward Hopper - such poetry of light and colour.

[@understitchYT]

Thank tou so much Im glad you liked it 🥰

[@iheartyou74]

Always appreciate the research and new info i learn in your videos ❤

[@understitchYT]

Thank you so so much

[@traumaqueeen]

Their quality is atrocious! Never again will I buy from them!!!

[@understitchYT]

Its not long-term garments thats true

[@MegaTinni]

Every now and then a good piece, but it's becoming more and more scarce. I sometimes buy knowing it won't last long, and then cut it up to use as a pattern. Their fabrics are bad but the cut is often good. They simplify the construction, but you can change and elevate that yourself.

[@understitchYT]

@@MegaTinni its not a bad hack to use their clothes as pattern direction if youre a sewist or even getting into fashion creation just to see how construction works

[@swabrren]

Yea bought something recently, wore it 2x and washed it once and it already ripped

[@Natak222]

Their jeans tend to last a long time, but any other piece of clothing doesn’t last more than 2 wash cycles

[@jetbllackwings]

26:29 never thought about it that way. thank you for the new perspective.

[@understitchYT]

🤍

[@ThePatBrs]

Great video! No one in the high street offers the same level of style. If you look, there are amazing pieces at an unbeatable price!

[@understitchYT]

I think Cos is definitely coming for their tail on that one, but they do have a unique point of view in comparison to their competitors and I respect that

[@brad1320]

Zara arrived in Venezuela in 1993, having up to 22 stores all over the country, and left in the year 2021;they plan to return by 2028

[@understitchYT]

Interesting, I wonder if its to do with a restructuring, maybe returning as a franchise

[@SerenityChaos1975]

I remember first seeing Zara in Uruguay in the early 2000

[@brad1320]

I imagine is just all related( in Venezuela’s case) wit the political and economical instability of that particular country…

[@Jorvaskrr]

Man, even they know when Maduro is going to get unalived.

[@morasuarez1314]

Zara left Venezuela due to the political and economic crisis. In the last two years, the country has experienced a small economic 'resurgence,' and this year, they reopened a two-story store in a major shopping mall in Caracas. Additionally, they launched their website in Venezuela for the first time.

[@payelpaul5395]

Highly enjoyed. Re-watching it immediately.

[@understitchYT]

Tysm 🙌🙌🙌

[@chaidiaries5458]

Another great video! Would love to hear abt brands like Issey miyake, Rick Owens, Paloma wool etc one day!

[@understitchYT]

Ooh I just got the rick owens book too 🤔🤔

[@chaidiaries5458]

@@understitchYT omggg I Hope we can look forward to a video on him at some point then!!!😆😆❤️

[@understitchYT]

@@chaidiaries5458 I contacted a few people who know more about him than I do just to do his work justice for his fans, but it seems a little bit exclusive of a group to get into. May be a while tbh. I admire his work but I know his fans will eat me alive if I get anything wrong. But if I cant get the right help to make sure its right, I dont feel confident in doing it just yet

[@lanal9330]

I haven't been a Zara costumer for at least a decade, but I have a few pieces from 15-20 years ago and they are really well made. But that was a time when their garments were made in Spain and Portugal. Now I call their stores The Kingdom of Polyester.

[@understitchYT]

I think most High Street brands went that way to be honest, it’s a real shame

[@michaelzimmer37]

I first learned about Zara around 2000 and was very intrigued about how they ran their business, especially the logistics. It wasn’t until 2007 that I got to experience a Zara store in person. I have to say the clothing fell flat for me, I’m talking menswear only, because that’s all I’m personally interested in. When I’m away from Iowa, and if there is a Zara store I will check it out, but to date I have never purchased anything. When the Gap store closed in Coralville in 2015 they told everyone to shop online. Well that hasn’t worked out to well for me and Gap. By forcing me online I discovered a huge world of choices that Gap never offered. I purchased Craig Green, Gosha, Cottweiler, and Liam Hodges to name some. Yes they are more expensive than Gap, but the clothes are way more exciting. I think it is interesting that Zara’s online business is doing so well. I hate the Gap websites, completely unstoppable! Zara’s website is slightly better but still just a white grid with an items inside. I don’t understand how they are changing online shopping as you describe. In 2021 H&M took over the gap and two adjacent store in my local mall. Haven’t purchased anything from them either.

[@understitchYT]

You named some great brands there and if these high street brands going online made you find smaller businesses to support I think thats probably been a great benefit to you, it used to be really tricky to discover interesting brands and designs, and now uts easier to find but harder to buy because without seeing it its a big investment

[@christopherfeatherley]

I agree their men's selection is rather boring! I believe I discovered them around 2015 or 2016, right around university, and they had some rather interesting pieces. At the time, they were a bit too pricey for me, but I still browsed through their offerings. As of now, however, you'll only see them make oversized, bulky men's attire. And it's even more expensive now than ever! 😅 It's very repetitive and dull, I must say. You named some great brands. I'll have to check them out soon 😁

[@sinaamiri98]

hoping for part2!

[@understitchYT]

I did a vote for an interesting topic on instagram 🥰

[@katerynabanfiguskova9557]

Im such a fan of all of your videos! Just wanted to give a quick input on the audits and social rights. Worked for many years as sustainability consultant with product departments of mid size brands. Not to defend at all anyone here but it’s not so easy to run your due diligence, technically everyone signs code of conduct but when you perform the audit or you hire someone to perform audit (because not all the manufactures would allow you to do it yourself) they all are scheduled in advance. Gladly for new due diligence regulations in Europe this would have to change but the transparency issue is huge and frankly as a brand for certain materials there aren’t many alternatives, unless you move your entire production chain (trust me it’s not easy) There are, for sure, amazing vertically integrated manufacturers but only for certain categories.

[@understitchYT]

Oh I know its not easy at all, but Zara, considering it was in house only for as long as possible, really kept amazing tabs on it. I think we need better regulations entirely, but it cannot fall on each individual brand, its too impossible with subcontracts to really know whats going on

[@samanthawestby6877]

I really enjoyed this video and would love the more in depth follow up. I find Zara to be so fascinating as a company and in truth, i was really impressed throughout this video with a lot of the strategic moves they've made over the years. Fantastic research!

[@understitchYT]

They innovated in such a creative way that it really blew the academics minds, anybody that studied this kind of thing academically knows this story very well 😅 theyre really admired in that way

[@c_kiriazev]

Fantastic video! I avoid Zara as much as I can but it is really interesting how they became top retailer. Thank you for your educating video

[@understitchYT]

Yes, I also do not really shop as Zara unless extremely desperate, but it’s always good to learn from people that are successful

[@theworldofcraig]

Another excellent video, thank you! The jeans moment was fantastic, so clever. 👨🏼🙏🏻💙

[@understitchYT]

Tysm Craig, I was saying it thinking "crap, Im going to have to edit this " 🤣

[@theworldofcraig]

@@understitchYTYeah, I totally feel you on that one, ha.

[@anasanahuja9946]

I try to buy local and ethical brands but when I had an item I couldn’t find Zara would be the option due to quality, nevertheless it has gotten so bad it’s not worth anymore and their store looks so bland, like they don’t arrange their stores anymore… as always great video thank you ❤

[@understitchYT]

It’s definitely better than H&M stylistically 🤷

[@anasanahuja9946]

@@understitchYT sure! I actually don’t consider H&M bc they arrived recently to Costa Rica and it’s just like forever 21

[@markjohnson2257]

Fabulous video as always!!😘 Zara's quality and business practices may be questionable but l really like the LOOK of their clothes. They LOOK very modern and chic in my opinion. So if you can't afford Prada, Jil Sander, etc, then go with Zara or COS. Speaking of questionable quality and business practices- several luxury companies(Dior) charging thousands of dollars for items are guilty of the same thing as fast fashion brands.

[@understitchYT]

Oh very much, it takes a lot from those minimal brands, COS too, COS really was H&Ms response to Zara after all

[@paulkuijpers]

The Netherlands also have Zara, it was not included in your map. Not sure since when. Great video as always!

[@understitchYT]

I just included the ones I could find dates for, I know a good few countries werent included

[@lindatisue733]

Thanks for the video. Appreciate the presentation style. "Predicting what will sell for a region" they carried this too far in Stockholm. Zara never had anything distinct from H&M, so I never bothered to shop there, since I don't like H&M clothes. With that experience, when traveling, I never wasted my shopping time because I though I could get the exact same stuff as in Sweden. Might give them a look in other countries.

[@understitchYT]

Thats so funny and kind of ironic how it ended up the same, but yes you should check them out in other countries 🥰🥰

[@umaxi96]

Here before 1 million views. Great video!

[@understitchYT]

Never had a video hit a million views yet, one day, but Ill keep improving until then 🥰

[@liv97497]

Zara is really amazing in how they've managed to cultivate a classy, high-fashion image despite their clothes being just as cheap as other fast fashion brands. Their website is infuriating to browse through but it helps them maintain this image - it's so hard to even see products because their photos look like they belong in a magazine photoshoot. I have a few items that are a few years old and honestly really good quality, even T-shirts that still look good, with no crooked, stretched out seams and appliqués that have survived a decade of machine washing. But lately, just as every other FF brand, the garments have been truly atrocious in their construction.

[@understitchYT]

Its a shame everyone is experiencing that drop in quality as they look outward to more outsourced labour. I just know if they could keep it in house they would, and theres certainly points for trying to defy that side of the industrey

[@jenniferturin2414]

hi! I absolutely love your videos. So very considered and thorough. Today I was having a discussion about Lululemon, and it made me think of your videos. Maybe you have it in the works already...? But if not, consider this my official request. I'd love to watch an understitch video about this company's interesting story and its founder. Thank you for taking the time to read my fan letter! Keep 'em comin'!

[@understitchYT]

Thank you Jennifer🤍🤍

[@lapinlibum8361]

Would love if you could do a video on the many high street, supposedly more 'ethical and sustainable' brands that are currently on every mindful fashion Millennial consumer! The likes of COS, Everlane, Madewell, UNIQLO etc. Great vid again

[@understitchYT]

I did do videos on Botter and also on Ganni, did you see those?

[@Ssonyys]

This is fascinating!! Please do one on Hugo Boss and their turbulent history 😶

[@understitchYT]

Oh I would LOOOVE to

[@indoora]

I would love a deep dive on Zara.

[@understitchYT]

Lots of people in the comments so that they want the deep dive, so that’s very encouraging to me

[@borge2014]

Well researched and presented! Can you do one about Levis connection to slavery as it started during that era with the cotton pickers, indigo making, and labor....we are talking of 1850's here...your mind will be blown! And yet people still buy them

[@understitchYT]

Its high on my list

[@xoxrvn]

For some reason, I used to think that Mango (the fashion brand) is also owned by Inditex. I'm originally from Syria and I remember that Zara, Bull&Bear, Bershka, Stradivarius, Massimo Dutti, and Mango were all launched at once and by the same company back in 2009 I know that because I used to work for that company in Syria. Also can you please make a video about Benetton?

[@understitchYT]

Then they will all be franchised version of those stores, like a subsidiary owned by another

[@understitchYT]

And I would looove to make a video about Benetton

[@Ste2023]

Remember Benetton made lovely jumpers

[@xoxrvn]

@@understitchYT For some reason I didn't get notified about your reply!!! Thank you so much!💚

[@indoora]

Hi, I am curious if you are planning videos on Mango or H&M?

[@understitchYT]

Both would make interesting videos, I havent got either scheduled and rn I think Gap would probably be first

[@indoora]

@@understitchYT Gap would be great.

[@syhlmpo]

I enjoyed this video! Yes please make more Zara videos

[@understitchYT]

I’m glad you like the video 🥰

[@vadimvlogz]

I worked there from 2021-2022. I can honestly tell you they taught us to work our tails of because i worked at their only store here in Scottsdale Arizona and it was always busy no matter what day it was. We even had employees fly in from other states to help us out during the holidays. Their brand is a money generating machine. You can learn alot there about fashion. Best experience ive had working with clothes. They also have awesome career opportunities. They would send our managers out to California for few weeks train them about then switch them to a different department. They have three. Kids, women and men. I worked in womens department. It was the largest of them all. They gave us zara phones to pull items from the shelves. Its really how they work. You can search and item on it then hit the trigger and your phone will start beeping as you get closer and closer to your item. All day the store would play music. If your into fashion and your just starting out go work there. It will be an awesome experience you wont regret.

[@understitchYT]

Ive never heard a bad story of someone that worked in the stores

[@IsaacGbornor-xge]

He is my one of my God Father ,Stay blessed Sir Amancio O. ,, I love Zara Boutique

[@jacksonmahr8915]

Amazing that there was a report on the decline of the UK High Street....in 1976!! I was a new transplant to the UK - was there every a time when retail was booking?

[@understitchYT]

The uk high street has had a really tough time because of how it was formatter and so localised, it meant more competition than in most countries, which tho is usually a good thing, meant people were really vigilant of changes

[@TriggerRose1213]

Great video. I have an idea for a video. The Rise and Fall of Abbey Dawn by Avril Lavigne. It’s still around but it’s a far cry from its heyday. Only selling five items( a shirt, a hoodie, socks, a mask and a hat) that’s looks the same today. When in the past, they had so many options to buy. Real shame, it would have a hit with the E girl scene had it survived. Maybe a rise and fall of Dear by Amanda Bynes as well?

[@understitchYT]

I didnt know either of those brands actually sold thank you, Ill add them to the lust 🥰

[@pastense]

My first experience with Zara was in London back in 2000. We didn’t have a store in California until I believe 2004. Still have the yellow cashmere beanie from that time! Sadly, like in every expansion of foreign fast fashion retailers, the quality has watered way down since then. I just go in now and then for a little looksie. Thank god for Uniqlo. Hope they don’t get watered down like the rest of them.

[@understitchYT]

You Chloe is quite interesting in that regard because they really just make the same thing every season, so costs are cut quite enormously, and of course they use mostly polyester so they low cost all the way from the beginning

[@pastense]

@@understitchYT at least they’re consistent. The Japanese are already known for their minimalism and simplicity, so it works for them. Uniqlo is probably the “worst” they have to offer, and yet it’s consistently “good” quality.

[@VineVast]

What is your background music used if you don't mind me asking?

[@understitchYT]

It’s not really anything just something I made a long time ago

[@aasamjames7020]

London Fashion Week reminds me of " The Grown Into " look how I will wait to see if its a just-a-phase.

[@understitchYT]

To me its where art is made, its the refined when they move outside though because London has not a tonne of resources for designers

[@BenCaesar]

Yes for a deep dive🔥🔥🔥

[@understitchYT]

I think itll be so good

[@mfjzbaztvftz]

Although I’m really despise fast fashion and everything Zara stands for, I must admit their path to success is so impressive.

[@understitchYT]

Its a great way to look at it

[@YazminM2222]

They have good clothes, good design and sometimes you really find good prices, like craaazy prices (but you need to know WHEN to buy)

[@understitchYT]

Its just a shame about the quality. This is some of the best quality on the high street and thats a bit sad. It wasnt always like this

[@craigmiller-randle8921]

I love Zara, their clothes form the basis of my wardrobe. I have never had problems with the quality and the designs, particularly of their special edition and collection issues, are amazing! I usually wait until their 6 monthly sales to buy unless I think something is that good I want to to guarantee I get it. Everything in the store gets reduced by up to 70% over a 4 week period. I also admire their incredible business model which is one of the best in the global fashion industry.

[@understitchYT]

The quality is bad, that’s just objectively true, but it’s no worse than their competitors, so if that is the price point that you enjoy shopping at then there’s nothing necessarily wrong with it as long as you can fix things if they break 🤣😅

[@AshAhms]

27:20 JWA's language is subtly screaming at me I love it

[@understitchYT]

Hahaha

[@johnprince5296]

Vedio about Stella McCartney

[@understitchYT]

Very high up on my list

[@MateoGomez-si4xx]

Pretty good video, i wanted to share it with my team , but they don’t speak English, i think you will gain more Audi e if you also translate your videos , maybe try with some and see what happens

[@understitchYT]

There is autotranslate on this video. Its far too much work to translate manually unfortunately, even to other languages that I have some competency in

[@TT-sq6rt]

Hi, Huge fan! do you think you could make a video or a short on your opinion on Alyx currently? I think the direction of the brand business wise is interesting

[@understitchYT]

I have a video on Alyx already!! Obviously its changed a little since the chinese investment, but I think its in an okay place

[@mariakourpa3642]

I never buy from them but great video!

[@understitchYT]

Im glad you liked it

[@MarckKnitwear]

I very rarely step inside a High Street fashion store these days as I only wear vintage for quality, style and price. Fashion and style is waning as young people just have no interest in how to look good!!

[@understitchYT]

Vintage, or more specifically pre-war clothes, will almost always be much better quality if you know what youre looking for. Those fabrics just dont exist easily any more

[@thea-listtv312]

this is fluid narration. thanks.

[@understitchYT]

Do glad you liked it 🥰

[@everydaynews3691]

What about South Africa? It's here too

[@understitchYT]

There’s a few countries that aren’t included, they’re just the ones that I don’t have dates for

[@ChrisCoombes]

In the late 80s/early 90s wasn't Benetton doing something similar where sales data from each store was received by company HQ each night and manufacturing adjusted to demand? (..this is just based on a story I heard years ago so not 100% reliable but I think Benetton was more advanced than most..)

[@understitchYT]

Yes! Benetton was the biggest competitor to Zara at that point, they have an incredible history

[@garethjd78]

Zara at least where I live in Australia fills the gap in the market for smart casual semi-corporate wear in a warmer climate. If you are over 30, it’s hard to find fashionable (in a European sense) clothing at a lower price point. The quality may be poorer, but many have a fashionable edge which makes them look more expensive, they have moved beyond minimalist and are working with interesting textures and colours - even in menswear.

[@understitchYT]

They’re definitely the best in terms of a fashion offering, that’s for sure

[@tiamarrow6366]

I feel like some of their basic tops, and their fragrances specifically Red Temptation (Baccarat Rouge dupe) is what made them so viral, but after they posted those photoshoot pics last year mocking the war in Gaza…..anyone who still genuinely shops from there while knowing that they did that, absolutely disgusting.

[@trenddiagram]

do a video on Sandy Liang

[@chigal0926]

Zara is a mixed bag for me. A number of items I purchased have held up because I get them dry cleaned. However, there is a winter coat I purchased that is practically falling apart. I've had to sew up holes in the pockets, buttons that weren't properly fitted. Even the belt loops I had to have a seamstress reattach. Yet, I get more compliments on it. I do not give the back story about how the coat is barely hanging on!!

[@understitchYT]

As long as you’re willing to repair it, then that’s okay I think, the problem is when people buy it it breaks and they throw it out

[@chigal0926]

I think the main reason people throw away clothing is because they don’t know how to take care of it. It really escapes people when it comes to washing clothes properly.

[@Luckimee]

I love Zara lol I have pieces that Ive had for years my problem is fluctuating sizes I have some size 4 jeans I bought a year ago that don't fit and they look brand new I rarely actually go in the store I shop online and send back what I don't like ❤ I love the diversity of the models redheads Indian girls mixed girls African girls looking sharp.

[@understitchYT]

I wonder what they do with online returns. Most companies just throw it out because its cheaper, but Zara only have finite production, so it makes me curious

[@macarenagonzalez6743]

Understitch, totally off topic but what is your zodiac sign?

[@understitchYT]

What do you think it is?

[@macarenagonzalez6743]

@@understitchYT im so bad at guessing but I am gonna guess Virgo or Capricorn

[@FlexRogers]

I started buying clothes from Zara around 2018 and since then, I have noticed a significant decline in the overall quality of their clothing in terms of the fabric material (which has never been great), construction, and the main one - design. The newer stuff seems uninspired/generic and more like what you can find on SHEIN for 1/5 the price. I don’t know if that’s a result of the fashion industry currently being stuck or if they are cutting corners even further in the design dept. However since I was purchasing for the cut/look and not the quality/workmanship, once the designs slide into mediocrity, I’m checking other places more often.

[@understitchYT]

To me other brands are worse, H&M is not creative whatsoever and dont get me started on Musinsa

[@thrutheeyesoflab4616]

Plenty of Zara stores in the Middle East

[@understitchYT]

Yes, these are just the expansions I have dates for

[@PEOPLECyprianDeCoteau]

Please do the #deepdive? 💯

[@understitchYT]

I’m still trying to gauge interest

[@FNFNFN99KKK]

Love your videos

[@understitchYT]

Its on my list!! The next video may be a celebrity brand 🤫

[@inthestars5252]

Zara was also in Poland from 1999.

[@understitchYT]

🇵🇱🇵🇱

[@ramonaagachi]

Zara has the best parfums on the market, that's how they regained my interest in 2024.

[@understitchYT]

They are mostly dupes, but I guess that goes with The design ethos 🤣

[@ramonaagachi]

@@understitchYT The recent ones Red Temptation Sandalwood and Tabacco are no dupes! Are better than the most expensive parfums I know and I get most compliments when I wear them.

[@Pulliefabulous]

The quality is questionable but their style is stunning which makes people keep going back

[@understitchYT]

Exactly

[@olene184]

yyyyess..... a deep dive

[@understitchYT]

🥰

[@mmmmchickencurry]

12:01 *Palestine

[@teslaandhumanity7383]

Zara do more sizes please 🙏, H &M is now like Primark , why are M&S and every store making clothes in viscose and plastic, organic clothes are hard to find now .

[@understitchYT]

Even luxury brands use a lot of viscose and plastic nowadays, its a pet peeve of mine for sure

[@maniatzanetakou]

Θα ηταν ωραιο να κανεις βιντεο με τα αγαπημενα σου προιοντα απο την συλλογη σου, αυτα που εαν γινοταν σιεσμος θα έτρεχες να σωσεις!

[@dgled]

Used to shop at zara, they had good quality but mostly pre 2011, the downfall started around 2016 maybe 2017, and since then it’s gotten worse , everything is now made in Morocco, almost all the fabrics if not the majority are synthetic especially polyester, Inditex premium brand Massimo Dutti used to be very very very good on quality and design but started to decline after de pandemic and now it’s just an overpriced Zara but worse.

[@understitchYT]

Zara quality seems to heavily depend on the factory in which it was made, and for that reason their quality varies heavily by store. If you go to a Zara in Europe vs Asia its really unavoidably noticeable

[@comicog3]

This might be one of the most interesting videos on fashion I've ever seen.

[@understitchYT]

Oh thank you 🥰

[@daphne8406]

I never bought much at Zara because even in my twenties my size (EU38/40 now EU42) was often not something they sold 🤷‍♀️ Even their L or XL sizes rarely fit me when I was size EU38/40, which is not an unusual or very large size at all. So yeah, when I got to EU42 in my thirties I never set foot in a Zara ever again. Also what I do see in their windows seems generic and boring to me 🤷‍♀️

[@understitchYT]

Where do you shop now?

[@daphne8406]

@@understitchYT I prefer shopping nowadays in more sustainable or non-chain fashion shops ☺️ Such as Frøken Diana’s Salong here in Norway (they carry true vintage items, their own designed and ethically made brand and for example the brand King Louis) or the Swedish chain shop Indiska (they carry their own ethically made brand) Occasionally H&M does sneak in, but mostly for basics 😝

[@zenj-g2z]

It could happen to me to buy a bag from zara but it was a copycat of fendi. A friend of mine told me otherwise I didn’t notice. They copy too many brands. I once saw they copied a Korean small designers brand.. Zara is literally so greedy.

[@understitchYT]

Copying a Fendi bag, I dont really care, but copying small designers is just unkind

[@roid1510]

I didnt know zara has been around this long

[@understitchYT]

Oldie but a goodie

[@Crumpets7377]

Zara is trash now, compared to 10 -15 years ago. The quality has decreased and the styles and fit is also just off the last few years.

[@understitchYT]

Quality has decreased everywhere though, there’s really not any clothing meant to last at that level anymore

[@imaniblack]

I tried to like Zara but every time I went to the store, I felt like the clothes were very ugly and too expensive. I’ve never purchased from them. I literally looked at a dress from there this week and I was somewhat interested but remembered most of their clothes are ugly and would probably fit weird on me.

[@understitchYT]

Its okay, and probably good, that not every store is for everyone. Where do you prefer?

[@maskwa73]

I love this brand. When I first started working after finishing uni in Germany, I bought my work clothes from Zara for a song and always got compliments on how great things looked. Honestly I haven't had many quality issues with them but I am extra careful with the garments (i.e. only wash when absolutely necessary). I still have some items of theirs that I purchased as far back ss 2005. I am admittedly a sucker for their editorial style photography on the website. Even if the poses on the main picture often don't let you see the garment properly, if you click on the item there are enough photos which present the garment quite soberly so you can make an informed decision. I adore this brand's refusal to remain complacent! Loved this video, Inditex is notoriously secretive and I think you did a great job!🎉

[@understitchYT]

I’m so glad you like the video, and I’m so glad that you have such great memories with the brand, that can be a real pool to loyalty

[@johnnyrichards77]

So unfair to creative companies with much less cash than them

[@understitchYT]

Yes, it’s not okay to punch downwards