WowStore vs Zalando: A Neutral Shopper's Checklist

A simple, fair checklist. No verdicts, just the practical points you can verify yourself when choosing between online shops.

Start with what you actually need first

Before you compare any two shops, first write down exactly what you are looking for right now. Not general things. Write one specific thing, such as a plain cotton jumper, a desk lamp or a pair of waterproof boots.

Every shop works well for some purchases and poorly for others. There is no shop that works for every person for every order. You do not need to pick one shop to use forever. You are choosing where to buy this one thing, today.

This checklist works for any online shop, not just the two you are comparing. You can run through the same steps any time you are choosing where to place an order.

Check product information on the page

When you land on any product page, first check what details are published. On WowStore, where the maker provides it, the product page shows fabric weight, wash instructions, fit notes and actual garment measurements.

You can use these numbers with our size calculator to check fit before you order. You can also use our fabric care guide to understand how to look after any item you buy.

Before you add anything to a basket, check if the shop you are using publishes this level of detail. Many shops only show general size charts. You do not have to guess at fit or care. If the details you need are not on the page, you can choose to keep looking.

Check for try and plan tools

Different shops offer different tools to help you shop well. On WowStore you can use Magic Mirror · Home to place home items in a photo of your own room. You can build a personal avatar once, then try clothing on it directly on product pages.

You can save items you already own to the Virtual Closet, then plan new combinations in the Mix & Match Studio. Lucy the AI stylist is there to answer questions while you shop.

For any other shop, check what tools they offer before you buy. Try them if you can. Good tools save you time and avoid returns later.

Check delivery and return rules

Every online shop publishes their shipping and return policies. Always read these on the shop's own site before you place an order. Do not rely on things you read elsewhere.

On WowStore you can find the current shipping policy and return policy linked from every page. Notice if there are minimum order amounts, extra fees, or conditions you are not comfortable with.

These rules change from time to time. Always check on the day you shop, not what you remember from last month.

Check how each shop uses sale proceeds

When you buy something, part of that money goes to running the shop, part goes to the maker, and part is allocated to other things. 5% of each sale goes to a cause you choose.

Any other shop will state what they do with sales proceeds on their public pages if they choose to. You get to decide what matters to you here. There is no right answer. This is just one point you can include when you make your choice.

You may also wish to browse collections like Everyday Clothing, Home & Lifestyle, Lucy's Picks or Mix & Match Wardrobe on both sites to see what feels right for you.

Run your own final check

Do not let anyone tell you which shop is right for you. Open both sites right now. Search for the exact item you want. Look at the product page. Try any tools. Read the policies. Then decide.

This takes around 5 minutes. It is far more accurate than any comparison article. You are the only person who knows what fits your budget, your habits and what you need today.

How giving works when you shop with us

5% of each sale goes to a cause you choose. After your order you pick one of three causes: CARE International, Cool Earth or Project Zero. The donation is paid out through PayPal Giving Fund UK. Those three causes, together with how we run our own store (honest product data, fair prices), are matched to 11 of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.

That is the heart of the 1% Movement: small choices × millions of us = change. It is a giving promise we can show you, and it is the only promise we make on this page.

Questions people ask

Is this checklist biased towards WowStore?

This checklist is written so you can use it for any two online shops. We have stated only the features that exist on WowStore. We make no claims about other shops, only note things you can check yourself. You are encouraged to verify every point on each shop's own site.

Can I use the tools listed here on both shops?

The tools listed on this page are available on WowStore. For any other shop, visit their help pages or browse product pages to see which tools they offer. You can try the tools on WowStore before you buy anything.

What about the range of items available?

All online shops carry different items. Search for the exact thing you want on each site. You may find one has what you are looking for and the other does not. This will vary for every single item.

How do I make my final decision?

Go through the points on this checklist. Mark which things matter to you for this purchase. Then choose the shop that matches most of your requirements for this order. There is no universal right choice.