Zappos
Last updated: January 31, 2026 Recently updated
Zappos is an American online retailer specializing in shoes and clothing, founded in 1999 by Nick Swinmurn after a frustrating shoe shopping experience at a mall where he couldn’t find the right size and color combination. Initially launched as Shoesite.com, the name was changed to Zappos, derived from the Spanish word ‘zapatos’ for shoes. Swinmurn partnered with Tony Hsieh, who invested significantly and became CEO, emphasizing exceptional customer service, a vast selection, free shipping, and hassle-free returns. The company transitioned from drop-shipping to holding its own inventory in warehouses, including one in Kentucky and headquarters moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, to enhance control over the customer journey.[1][2][3][4][6]
Zappos expanded beyond shoes, which still account for about 80% of business, to include clothing, handbags, eyewear, watches, accessories, and kids’ merchandise by 2007, driving gross sales to $840 million that year and over $1 billion by 2008. In 2009, Amazon acquired Zappos for approximately $1.2 billion in an all-stock deal, allowing it to operate independently while influencing Amazon’s customer-centric policies like free shipping and returns. Known for its unique company culture focused on ‘wowing’ customers, fun, and weirdness, Zappos revolutionized e-commerce with rapid shipping, competitive pricing, and no-questions-asked returns, shaping the industry standard.[1][2][3][4][5]
Shoppers choose Zappos for its massive selection of footwear including vegan options and couture lines, reliable service, and customer-friendly policies that minimize risk in online purchases. The emphasis on happiness and core values makes it a standout, even post-acquisition, offering a seamless experience for men, women, and children.
How to Save More at Zappos
- Take advantage of free shipping and hassle-free returns, a hallmark policy pioneered by Zappos that allows trying multiple sizes and styles risk-free.
- Browse the vast shoe selection, which forms 80% of inventory, including vegan and couture options for specialized needs.
- Shop during expansion categories like clothing and accessories for broader wardrobe needs beyond footwear.
- Leverage the customer service focus by using 24/7 support for fit advice, as emphasized in their ‘wow’ culture.
Best Times to Shop at Zappos
No specific sale periods detailed in sources; generally, e-commerce sites like Zappos offer competitive pricing year-round, with potential peaks around holidays or end-of-season clearances inferred from industry norms.
Zappos Loyalty Program
No details on a formal loyalty or rewards program available in the provided sources.
Zappos Coupon Policy
- Stacking: No specific information available from sources; typically limited in e-commerce retailers like Zappos.
- Exclusions: No specific details provided in sources.
- Price Adjustments: No specific information available from sources.
Evergreen Zappos Discounts
Beyond promo codes, Zappos offers these year-round discount programs:
🎖️ Military & Veteran Discount
Zappos offers a military discount for active-duty service members, veterans, and military families. Verify your status through ID.me or SheerID to unlock savings. This discount is typically available online and in-store.
- Typical discount: 10-15%
- Verification: ID.me, SheerID, or military ID
- Eligible: Active duty, veterans, reserves, National Guard, military spouses
🎓 Student Discount
Students can save at Zappos by verifying their enrollment. Use UNiDAYS, Student Beans, or your .edu email address to unlock exclusive student pricing.
- Typical discount: 10-20%
- Verification: UNiDAYS, Student Beans, .edu email
- Eligible: Currently enrolled college and university students
📚 Teacher & Educator Discount
Teachers and educators receive special discounts at Zappos. Verify your teaching credentials through ID.me to access savings.
- Typical discount: 10-15%
- Verification: ID.me, school ID
- Eligible: PreK-12 teachers, college professors, school administrators
🚒 First Responder Discount
First responders can save at Zappos. Police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and other emergency personnel can verify through ID.me or GovX.
- Typical discount: 10-25%
- Verification: ID.me, GovX
- Eligible: Police, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, 911 dispatchers
🏥 Healthcare Worker Discount
Healthcare workers receive special pricing at Zappos. Nurses, doctors, and medical staff can verify their status through ID.me.
- Typical discount: 15-30%
- Verification: ID.me
- Eligible: Nurses, doctors, CNAs, pharmacists, hospital staff
How to Save More at Zappos
Maximize your savings with these insider tips:
- Sign up for the email newsletter to get 10-20% off your first order.
- Download the Zappos app for exclusive mobile-only deals and early access to sales.
- Check the clearance or sale section first - items are often marked down 50-70% off.
- Stack manufacturer coupons with store coupons for maximum savings.
- Shop during major sale events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Presidents Day.
- Follow Zappos on social media for flash sales and exclusive promo codes.
- Sign up for the loyalty program to earn points on every purchase.
- Use a cashback browser extension like Rakuten or Honey for additional savings.
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Zappos Savings Tips
- Free shipping both ways, VIP program for faster shipping, and legendary customer service for returns.
- Sign up for email newsletters for exclusive subscriber discounts
- Use cashback sites like Rakuten for additional savings
- Compare prices and check for price match policies