3. In-house production and no outsourcing:
1. Self-contained Distribution system prone to unpredicted problems:
Centralized distribution system is the biggest problem of Zara. If there is any technical snag occur in the distribution network then the whole system can collapse. But in other apparel companies, the distribution networks are decentralized and not self-contained like Zara. As such even if one part of the network falls, there is no wholesale collapse of the entire network. Zara controls its production, suppliers, distribution system, retails stores, unlike its rivals that make it prone to unpredicted problems.
2. Imitator, not Creator:
The Fast Fashion strategy also has its own set of weaknesses. Zara can never be one of the premium luxury brands in the fashion world because it is considered as the great fashion imitator since it usually imitates runway fashion rather than predicting the styles of the season (Hansen, 2012). No doubt it provides its customers high-end designs, but its designers play smart a trick by copying designs of fashion week, rather creating some original on their own.
3. Spends Zero Revenue on Their Advertisement:
Zara does not spend much money on advertising. It has a zero advertising policy unlike its rival Benetton, H&M and GAP (Hansen, 2012). However, some of the major names of the glamour world are the brand ambassador of these companies. One of the biggest marketing moments for Zara was when Kate Middleton wore Zara dress ($49.99) the day after her wedding to Price William (Dailymail.co.uk, 2016). However, this zero ad policy gives its rival greater public exposure.