Zara explains e-tail delay

Zara has defended its decision to hold off on the launch of an online store for the Australian market.

Japan became the first Asian market to receive an e-commerce portal in October, following staggered launches for key regions across the northern hemmisphere over 2010/11.

While the fast fashion giant now operates domestic stores in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide, it has yet to launch an online service for local customers.

A spokesperson told ragtrader.com.au no official release date had been set for the country, but defended the move due to its infancy in the area.

"Our online store which launched in selected European countries is only a year old, as we have just recently launched in the US and Japan. We are working on our online store to be available in all markets where Zara is, so hopefully we can offer this in Australia in the future."

The spokesperson said no other additional locations had been locked in for brick-and-mortar stores.

"As of this moment, we can not confirm where Zara will be opening next. However, we are definitely looking to expanding all across Australia, so that we can serve as many customers as possible."

In an interview with Ragtrader magazine earlier this year, Colliers International national director of retail Nathan Clarke revealed the company was looking to establish a total of 20 to 30 stores in Australia.

Colliers has been the brand's domestic commercial property partner.

The Zara spokesperson was unable to disclose any sales figures specifically for the Australian market, but revealed Asia and Rest Of World sales accounted for between 15 - 17 per cent of global sales.

There are currently 15 employees at Zara's Sydney head office.