AliExpress Launches Elite Club Amid Zara's Israel Cutbacks
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS by baba
AliExpress has introduced an "Elite" loyalty club in Israel offering exclusive discounts and benefits to customers spending over $800 annually. Meanwhile, Zara is closing stores in Israel and increasing shipping fees, prompting a comparison of international versus domestic prices. The article advises consumers to research the best deals ahead of the November shopping season.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- AliExpress launched its "Elite" customer loyalty program in Israel for high-spending customers.
- Elite members receive additional discounts and benefits, including free returns.
- Zara is closing stores in Be'er Sheva and Ayalon Mall in Israel.
- Zara has eliminated free shipping, imposing a flat fee of 14.90 shekels on all orders.
- Purchasing Zara items abroad is presented as potentially cheaper than buying in Israel.
Chinese e-commerce giant AliExpress has launched a new closed customer loyalty program in Israel called "Elite." Membership is automatic for customers who have spent at least $800 on the platform within the past year. Elite members will receive an additional 5% discount on "Elite," "Brand," and "Choice" products, and an 8% discount on "Elite Day," held on the first day of each month. The program also includes free product returns and dedicated online customer service.
This launch coincides with Zara's decision to reduce its presence in Israel. The fashion retailer is closing one store in Be'er Sheva and its "Zara Home" branch at Ayalon Mall. Furthermore, Zara has eliminated its free shipping offer for orders over 199 shekels, implementing a flat 14.90 shekel shipping fee for all purchases across its brands, including Bershka, Massimo Dutti, and Stradivarius.
The article suggests that these changes make purchasing Zara items abroad more appealing. For example, a blazer priced at 79.95 euros (approximately 278 shekels) in Zara Netherlands would cost around 328 shekels after VAT, compared to 459 shekels in Israel. Similarly, a coat costing 59 euros (about 205 shekels) in the Netherlands is priced at 329 shekels in Israel. As the November shopping season approaches, consumers are advised to compare prices and consider international purchasing options.
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