Westwing

Westwing operates as an e-commerce platform specializing in the home and living sector, headquartered in Munich, Germany. The company was established in 2011 by Delia Lachance (née Fischer), Stefan Smalla, Tim Schäfer, Matthias Siepe, and Georg Biersack. Lachance, who serves as the Chief Creative Officer, drew upon her background as an editor for ELLE and ELLE Decoration magazines to address a market gap for a curated and inspiring online destination for home goods. Her experience in identifying design trends and beautiful products formed the foundation of the company's vision.

Westwing's business model is centered around a "shoppable magazine" concept, which combines editorial-style content with e-commerce. This approach aims to inspire customers by creating an emotional connection through storytelling and curated product selections. The company primarily serves design-conscious consumers, referred to as "Home Enthusiasts," across 11 European countries. Revenue is generated through a direct-to-consumer model, with income from product markups, shipping fees, advertising, and a membership program that offers exclusive access to sales events. A significant and growing portion of revenue comes from the company's own "Westwing Collection," which accounted for 51% of the Group's Gross Merchandise Volume in the first quarter of 2024.

The platform offers a diverse range of home furnishings, decor, lighting, and accessories from various brands, alongside its private label. Products are presented through daily themed sales campaigns for members and a permanent assortment available to all customers. This strategy fosters high customer engagement and loyalty, with approximately 80% of orders coming from repeat customers. In a move to create an omnichannel experience, Westwing has expanded into physical retail, opening its first flagship store in Hamburg in 2022, allowing customers to experience the brand and products tangibly. The company achieved a significant milestone with its Initial Public Offering (IPO) on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange in October 2018.

Keywords: home and living e-commerce, curated online shopping, shoppable magazine, direct-to-consumer, interior design, home furnishings, furniture retail, Westwing Collection, Delia Lachance, European e-commerce, home decor, lifestyle brand, online marketplace, membership model, design inspiration, home accessories, online retail, B2C, home goods, curated retail