Zulily Shuts Down and Exits the Retail Market

In the ever-changing landscape of the tech and e-commerce world, another notable retailer has decided to fold up its operations. Zulily, an online retail platform specializing in women’s and children’s apparel, has announced that it’s closing its doors for good. Additionally, earlier this month, Zulily filed a lawsuit against Amazon, accusing it of anti-competitive practices, a claim that was promptly denied by an Amazon spokesperson.

The announcement, displayed prominently on the company’s homepage, indicated that this difficult yet crucial decision was made by the Zulily leadership in an effort to streamline operations and prioritize their creditors. However, the company reassures that its customers will not be left in the dust — pending orders are expected to be either fulfilled or refunded by Jan. 22.

“This decision was not easy nor was it entered into lightly. However, given the challenging business environment in which Zulily operated, and the corresponding financial instability, Zulily decided to take immediate and swift action.”

Ryan Baker, vice president of Douglas Wilson Companies, Zulily

Zulily, a Seattle-based venture, was initiated in 2010 and has since been a significant player in the city’s tech arena. It went public in 2013 and once boasted a valuation of around $9 billion, per a report by The Wall Street Journal. Being more than just an online retailer, Zulily also etched its mark in the sports domain. In 2019, it entered into a multiyear sponsorship deal with the Major League Soccer team Seattle Sounders. Moreover, the brand was recognized for its vigorous marketing efforts on various social media platforms.

However, the journey toward closure hasn’t been an easy one for Zulily. The past year has seen hundreds of employees let go in multiple states during the process of the company’s liquidation. In May last year, Zulily changed hands from its long-term owner, Qurate Retail Group, to the private equity firm Regent. Qurate Retail Group is also home to well-known TV-shopping brands such as QVC and HSN.