Lyst’s Comeback Story: From Loss to Profit
Founded in January 2010, Lyst has grown into a global fashion aggregator used by over 160 million shoppers annually, offering access to more than 27,000 brands and stores. But perhaps the most compelling part of its story is financial: after weathering a stormy £18 million loss in 2023, the platform turned the tide, posting a modest £400,000 ($512,000) operating profit in the 12 months leading up to March 2024.
Lyst’s secret sauce? A deep reservoir of fashion data, paired with AI algorithms that predict what consumers want before they know it themselves. It’s algorithmic clairvoyance — and Zozo wants in.
Looking Ahead: A Fashion-Forward Future
This acquisition comes at a pivotal moment for the industry. A McKinsey report published in January forecasts the global social-commerce market will exceed $2 trillion by 2025, describing it as a “paradigm shift” in consumer-brand interaction — one where TikTok likes and YouTube hauls now guide shopping carts more than glossy magazine ads.
By snapping up Lyst, Zozo isn’t just expanding — it’s evolving, aligning itself with the digital currents reshaping how the world shops for style.
