Zara and Inditex Revise Online Shopping Rules, Reduce Store Footprint in Israel

Zara Home's online store has eliminated its previous free delivery option. Delivery costs for home goods now range from 49.90 to 75 shekels. Gottex Fashion, the Israeli representative for Zara, is undergoing a significant retail network optimization. This includes the closure of the Zara store in the Azrieli Mall in Be'er Sheva and the Zara Home branch in Ayalon Mall. Following these closures, only two Zara Home locations will remain in Israel: one at TLV in Tel Aviv and another at Big Gilo. Concurrently, the Inditex group, which owns Zara, Bershka, Stradivarius, Oysho, Pull & Bear, and Massimo Dutti, has altered online shopping terms for all its brands. Free delivery, previously available for orders over 199 shekels, has been completely canceled. A flat fee of 14.90 shekels is now charged for all online shipments, regardless of order total. Additionally, a new 39.90 shekel fee has been introduced for courier returns. The article also references a previous report that Zara was considering leaving Israel and closing all its stores nationwide, citing the ongoing war in Gaza and stating that the conflict does not align with the brand's values. Such a departure would be significant given Zara's popularity in Israel. This situation unfolds amid increasing international pressure on Israel, with several foreign companies recently reconsidering their presence or boycotting the Israeli market. Israel's international reputation is also a subject of debate due to the war. The situation is further highlighted by an upcoming meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump, where discussions are expected to include a plan to end the war and secure the release of hostages. The stance of Spanish authorities, who are critical of Israel's actions in the conflict, also influences the situation surrounding Zara.