German fashion retailer Voo Store discontinues online shop

Voo Store is discontinuing its online shop.

The Berlin-based fashion retailer announced this change in a temporary social media post, which has been seen by FashionUnited. Ozan Akcay, chief executive officer of Voo Store, confirmed the decision upon request.

Too expensive and no longer contemporary

The reason for discontinuing the online shop is partly economic, explained Ozan Akcay, chief executive officer of Voo Store. He noted that the e-commerce boom following the Covid-19 pandemic has subsided in recent years. For an independent retailer, it has become almost impossible to operate an online shop with its own team due to the costs involved.

There is also a more fundamental stance. According to Akcay, we are moving further away every day from a world heading towards complete techno-feudalism. The need to connect with people physically and emotionally is therefore stronger than ever. It is the shop, our unique selection, the team and the people in Berlin that make Voo what it is. “We want to expand on this, rather than competing with the algorithm and fighting in a world where the big eat the small,” said Akcay.

Website remains online

Orders can no longer be placed via the online shop, but the website will remain online. It will continue to showcase new products that have just arrived in the brick and mortar store or will be available soon. It is also possible to get in touch via email and WhatsApp to enquire about products.

On the social media platform Instagram and on its website, the retailer tells its community that it wants to spend more time with them. It highlights the special experience of “seeing a collection up close, trying on pieces and discovering something you weren't even looking for”.