YNAP opens tech hub in Bologna

By

Barbara Santamaria

Published
Dec 16, 2019

Yoox Net-A-Porter has cut the ribbon on a new tech hub at its headquarters near Bologna, Italy. The facility will be home to 250 employees.

The office, dubbed a “technological temple” was officially opened by the group’s chairman and CEO Federico Marchetti, and Virginio Merola, Mayor of Bologna, on Friday at an opening ceremony that highlighted YNAP’s commitment to Italy.

The new “cutting-edge” work spaces have been designed to encourage flexibility and collaboration, with 250 young technology experts taking up residence to push the group’s shopping experience forward.

Large open spaces, collaboration areas and wellness areas are designed to foster the innovative thinking of these experts. YNAP, like many other retail groups, is investing in technology in a bid to find the next big thing in fashion retail before its competitors.

And in line with its eco-minded philosophy, the tech hub has been built with sustainability at its core, receiving the maximum energy certification.

“Our roots in the Bologna area run deep and our people here continue to be a richness for Yoox Net-A-Porter Group," said Federico Marchetti, CEO of YNAP at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. "The opening of a new technology hub – which will host 250 young talents in a sustainable space built to maximize collaboration and creativity – is just the latest example of our commitment to the territory.”

Bologna Mayor Virginio Merola added: “I am happy to have personally seen this further growth of Yoox Net-A-Porter Group, a company which carries out the Bologna name up all over the world, without ever losing the link with the territory, thanks to its millions of clients and its highly qualified workforce, this new building that brings to 1200 Yoox Net-A-Porter Group’s “Bologna” employees and that is also a demonstration of Marchetti and his company’s interest for the initiatives we carry out as institutions: from Insieme per il Lavoro to sustainable mobility projects."

According to YNAP, the number of new employees in the Bologna headquarters tripled during 2018, with a notable increase in women and mothers. 1,500 YNAP employees working in Italy, including 1,200 in Bologna, are also in line to receive a bonus of €1,000 as part of the group’s new MyWelfare initiative.