The ReturnPolicy score is calculated based on several factors including: convenience, customer service, speed of refund, flexibility and users’ ratings.
When it comes to online shoe retailing, Zappos.com has been a trailblazer since its inception in 1999. What started as a small online shoe store has burgeoned into a behemoth, offering not just footwear but clothing, accessories, and more. Zappos is renowned for its exceptional customer service, including a 365-day return policy and free shipping on both orders and returns.
With its headquarters in Las Vegas, Nevada, Zappos was acquired by Amazon in 2009, further solidifying its position in the e-commerce sector. Despite the takeover, Zappos maintained its unique corporate culture and continued to prioritize customer satisfaction above all else.
However, the digital marketplace is vast, and many competitors vie for consumers' attention. Let's lace up and walk through the landscape of Zappos.com's main competitors to see how they stack up against the online retailer giant.
5.0 / 5
5.0 / 5
Nordstrom.com is a premier fashion retailer offering high-end clothing, shoes, and accessories. While Zappos.com has a wide range of products, Nordstrom caters to a more upscale market with luxury brands and designer collections. Nordstrom's commitment to customer service with free shipping and returns rivals that of Zappos, positioning it as a competitive force in the luxury segment of the market.
3.2 / 5
3.2 / 5
DSW (Designer Shoe Warehouse) is a haven for shoe lovers, focusing on a wide selection of footwear at various price points. Zappos.com shares this love for variety but DSW sets itself apart with physical stores across the country where customers can try on their selections. Additionally, DSW rewards its customers with a loyalty program, something that Zappos lacks.
As the name suggests, Shoes.com is all about footwear. This direct competitor to Zappos.com focuses solely on shoes and offers a similar online shopping experience with free shipping. While they may not have the same breadth of products as Zappos, their streamlined focus on shoes makes them a formidable contender.
4.0 / 5
4.0 / 5
Foot Locker is a powerhouse in athletic footwear and apparel, targeting a more sports-oriented customer base. While Zappos.com offers a variety of athletic shoes, Foot Locker's in-depth focus on sports shoes and its strong brand recognition make it a strong competitor, especially among athletes and sneaker enthusiasts.
Zalando.com is a leading European online retailer for fashion and lifestyle. Zappos.com may have a foothold in the American market, but Zalando dominates in Europe with its vast selection of clothing, shoes, and accessories. It caters to a similar audience and shares Zappos' dedication to customer service, making it a noteworthy competitor on the international stage.
Interestingly, 6pm.com is an outlet site operated by Zappos' parent company, Amazon, and offers discounted shoes, clothing, and accessories. Although it's part of the same family, it competes with Zappos by attracting bargain hunters who might otherwise shop on Zappos.com. The main difference lies in 6pm's focus on discounts and end-of-season deals.
2.5 / 5
2.5 / 5
Finish Line is another retailer specializing in athletic shoes and gear, similar to Foot Locker. It competes with Zappos in the sports and casual footwear category but also offers physical stores and exclusive partnerships with brands like Nike, which can draw customers away from Zappos' online realm.
Eastbay.com is a direct competitor to both Zappos and other sports-focused retailers like Foot Locker and Finish Line. It offers a broad selection of athletic gear and is known for catering to amateur and professional athletes. Eastbay's comprehensive catalog of sports equipment and team gear provides an alternative for customers seeking specialized athletic wear.
Sneakerhead.com targets a niche market of sneaker enthusiasts and collectors, offering a curated collection of rare and exclusive sneakers. While Zappos.com has a range of sneakers, Sneakerhead.com appeals to a more specific audience, making it a unique competitor in the sneaker space.
Stadium Goods is a premium marketplace for sneaker aficionados, offering authentic, high-demand sneakers. Its boutique approach to the resale market for sneakers places it in competition with Zappos.com's sneaker offerings, though Stadium Goods focuses on the luxury resale aspect.
3.8 / 5
3.8 / 5
Macy's is a department store giant with a strong online presence that rivals Zappos.com in both the variety of shoes and the breadth of other fashion products. Macy's appeals to a wide demographic with its range of price points and brands, providing stiff competition to Zappos in the department store vertical of online retail.
3.0 / 5
3.0 / 5
Poshmark.com takes a different approach as a social marketplace for buying and selling clothes, shoes, and accessories. It competes with Zappos.com by offering a platform for individuals to find unique, pre-owned items, often at lower prices, appealing to budget-conscious and eco-friendly shoppers.
4.6 / 5
4.6 / 5
Kohl's is a retail chain that competes with Zappos.com through its substantial online presence, offering a wide variety of shoes, clothing, and home goods. Kohl's differentiates itself with frequent sales, Kohl's Cash rewards, and an emphasis on family-friendly products.
4.0 / 5
4.0 / 5
Lyst.com is a fashion search engine that aggregates products from various retailers, including shoes. It allows users to track down and compare products from different sites, which makes it a competitor to Zappos.com by giving shoppers a tool to potentially find better deals or products elsewhere.
4.3 / 5
4.3 / 5
Dillard's, much like Macy's and Nordstrom, is a department store chain with a strong online store that competes with Zappos.com. It offers a wide range of products, including shoes, and is known for its seasonal sales and designer brand offerings.
4.0 / 5
Nordstrom Rack is the off-price retail division of Nordstrom, providing a direct competitor to Zappos.com for customers looking for brand-name shoes at a discount. While Zappos offers a variety of price points, Nordstrom Rack's model focuses on clearance items from their main stores and website.
3.3 / 5
Dick's Sporting Goods is a leading omnichannel sporting goods retailer that competes with Zappos.com's selection of athletic and outdoor shoes. Dick's offers the advantage of physical stores and a focus on sports equipment, which complements its shoe offerings.
4.0 / 5
Bloomingdale's is another luxury department store that competes with Zappos.com in the high-end market, offering designer shoes, clothing, and accessories. Its brand recognition and exclusive offerings draw a clientele that might otherwise shop at Zappos for premium brands.
3.2 / 5
3.2 / 5
JCPenney is a well-known department store with a significant online presence that competes with Zappos.com in providing a wide range of footwear, apparel, and home goods. Known for its affordability and sales, JCPenney caters to a value-oriented customer base.
4.6 / 5
4.6 / 5
Costco.com, the online arm of the membership warehouse club, offers a limited selection of shoes compared to Zappos.com. However, it competes by providing members with bulk-buying options and competitive pricing on a variety of products, including footwear.
