For the past 18 years, both fashion and technology alike have experienced an immense amount of change and innovation. Zedonk has been no exception! From spreadsheets to SaaS, computers to the cloud, the reliance on technology in the fashion industry has become essential for even the smallest of tasks. As we celebrate this nominal milestone in Zedonk’s life, we wanted to look back at some of the key moments that have brought us to where we are today.
Let’s start from the very beginning…
2006
The Zedonk concept was conceived in 2006 by CEO and experienced fashion specialist, Marcia Lazar.
After 20 years working at the helm of her own brand, Science London, Marcia built the first iteration of Zedonk in response to her own frustrations at the lack of software tools to streamline her business operations.
Initially named ‘What’s It’, the earliest form of the system sought to centralise aspects of raw material purchasing, production, sales and inventory for the first time.
Zedonk launches as a CD-ROM programme
Inspired by her own needs, and the needs of her peers, Marcia begins to share her disk-based computer programme with a network of British-based brands.
Team Zedonk is born!
Marcia meets her business partner and future Sales Director, Richard Davis, after a fortuitous meeting at the Tranoi trade show in Paris.
Based out of 6 Calvert Avenue in Shoreditch, Marcia and Richard are joined by two freelance software engineers, Peter and Andy. Whilst Marcia worked to build Zedonk’s reputation in the fashion industry, Richard took on the responsibility of sales and demos for the brand.
From Fashion To IT!
Now a SaaS-based platform, Zedonk forms as a subsidiary brand of ‘F2IT Limited’. Cleverly named to pay homage to the company’s link between fashion and technology, the name ‘Fashion to IT’ also acknowledged Marcia’s own transition from fashion CEO to a woman in tech!
2007
Taking Stock…
Shortly after launch, Zedonk expands its service offering and incorporates the first inventory management tools onto the platform. Now, brands can have full visibility over their product stock, no spreadsheet required!
Longest serving Zedonker, Preen by Thornton Bregazzi, comes on board!
Husband and Wife duo, Justin Thorton and Thea Bregazzi become the first brand to utilise Zedonk in their everyday operations. Expanding internationally from a single boutique in Notting Hill, Preen continue to be our longest-standing client and have now been using the system for over 15 years.
2008
London and Beyond… our first international client, Catherine Deane, joins Zedonk
British Hong Kong based- womenswear brand, Catherine Deane, joins our network as the first international customer. With 10 British clients and counting, Zedonk is now global!
2015
Zedonk joins the 100 club!
After a period of steady organic growth, Zedonk’s client count reaches 180+ clients. With Zedonkers based all across the world- from London and Los Angeles, to Brisbane and Beijing, two more team members, Marco and Michael are welcomed on board. It’s all hands on deck to support our growing client base.
2017
Growing again!
More clients equals more employees. Once again, the Zedonk team expands. We say goodbye to our original Shoreditch home and say hello to pastures new at an office in London Fields.
2020
Buongiorno! Zedonk is acquired by Italian software company, Dedagroup Stealth
As part of a global expansion strategy, Zedonk is obtained by Dedagroup Stealth, Italy’s leading IT specialist providing tailored, omni-channel solutions for established fashion, luxury and retail brands.
This major acquisition aims to support the requirements of small and start-up fashion brands that have not been fully served by the tech industry.
2021
Digital Showroom launches
Initially called ‘Virtual Selling’, Zedonk responds to the fashion industry’s needs during the Covid-19 Pandemic and launches a B2B portal specifically for Wholesale buyers.
Linked directly to the existing Zedonk Product Catalogue, this interactive tool provides further customisation and allows brands to bring their line sheets and ordering to life!
2023
An office with a view
Once again, it’s time for a change. In April 2023, Zedonk’s ever-expanding team makes the move to our current office at 6 Orsman Road. Positioned right by Regent’s Canal and with sweeping views across London, our current home is a happy reminder of just how far the company has come.
From Fashion For Fashion, Zedonk has come a long way over the last 18 years. While the early days were gradual and organic, the company has grown from strength to strength since 2006 and is now one of the most recognisable SaaS companies in the fashion space.
With representatives in more than 45 countries and an ever-expanding client base of 1000+ brands, our platform continues to serve the needs of our customers and adapt with the changing landscape of the commercial world today. Three Cheers to Zedonk! We can’t wait to see what the next 18 years will bring.
