FARFETCH launched with a simple idea: what if people could shop at the world’s best fashion stores from their homes? In 2007, José Neves, a tech founder and fashion fan, saw that many small luxury retail shops had great collections but had trouble selling online. 

So, he made FARFETCH, which connects these shops to people worldwide who love fashion. It quickly became a big hit, selling stylish clothes, shoes, and accessories from well-known brands and niche stores. 

Today, FARFETCH is one of the biggest places to buy luxury clothes online. Due to this, many entrepreneurs are looking forward to build an app like FARFETCH. If you are one of them, you have come to the right place! Making a fashion marketplace app is fun, but you need to plan carefully and take the right approach. 

Thus, our guide will show you how to create a luxury retail application similar to FARFETCH to turn your dream fashion market come true!        

So, let’s begin! 

 

What is a FARFETCH App? 

The FARFETCH app is a luxury retail app that connects users with the best stores and brands worldwide. It makes shopping easy by giving you access to special collections from designers, making unique suggestions, and quick shipping worldwide.     

With AR try-on, request management, and safe payment features, a luxury fashion marketplace like FARFETCH makes it easy to shop for luxury clothes. Thus, if you plan to develop a premium shopping app similar to FARFETCH, consult a marketplace app development company. 

 

 

Luxury Fashion E-commerce Industry: Key Facts That You Can’t Ignore! 

• In 2024, the world market for luxury fashion was worth $253.3 billion. The IMARC Group thinks the market will reach $334.6 Billion by 2033. (imarcgroup) 
• The luxury fashion market is expected to bring in $23.02bn in 2025.
• With a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.44% from 2025 to 2029, the market is estimated to be worth US$33.03bn by 2029.

 

Source: Statista

• 586,6 million people are likely to use the luxury fashion market by 2029. 
• A recent study found that 67% of people who spent money on personal expensive items were Millennials. (Forbes)

 

How Does a FARFETCH App Work?

Now that you are well-versed in the market economics of the luxury e-commerce industry, one thing is clear: the demand for the luxury retail industry will expand. So, if you plan to develop an app like FARFETCH, it is vital to know its working process of luxury retail app development solution. 

 

 

• Browse & Discover: Users can look through a huge selection of luxury clothing from shops and brands worldwide, sorting them by category, designer, or trend. 
• Hassle-free Search: The app has clear product descriptions, high-quality pictures, and size charts that make shopping easy.
• Safe Checkout and Payment: FARFETCH lets you pay with a number of methods like credit cards, PayPal, and Klarna, and all transactions are encrypted to keep them safe.
• Global Shipping & Tracking: Orders are sent out from stores worldwide, and you can get real-time tracking updates and estimates of when your package will arrive.
• Easy Returns and Customer Support: Users can quickly return items through the app and get help with questions about orders or fashion tips 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

 

Steps To Build an App Like FARFETCH

The following steps should help you through the process of FARFETCH high-end retail app development that sells. It is vital to pay precise attention to each of the steps to develop a high-end fashion eCommerce app:

 

 

1. Do Market Research & Identify Issue

If you want to make an app like FARFETCH, make things easier for people. For example, Amazon made buying books at low prices easy with just a click. An app like Vinted and other have all the deals you need to make money.  

Besides, if you want to know how to make a luxury retail shopping app, you should first consider what problems your buyers want to solve.   

Also, you should study about your rivals and the newest market trends. After studying your audience and competitors, you can make smart choices for your luxury fashion app like Farfetch.   

 

Who are the target luxury shoppers? What pain points do users face? How do competitors attract customers? What features improve user experience?

 

2. Set Business Strategy and Goals 

Set your business goals, plan, and expectations. What and how are you going to help your clients? This is a tough question if you want to make an online marketplace app like Farfetch. To get a better idea of how big the upcoming work will be, think about the following:

• Description of the online shopping app and its business concept. 
• There are three primary things that clients need to do. 
• Your very first encounter with a client. 
• Choices about the development of an online shopping app functionally. 

 

What is the target luxury market? How will the app generate revenue? What features will differentiate it? Which brands will the platform support?

 

3. Find the Right Development Partner 

Choose a team to work with to make a luxury retail app. More and more luxury retail app development companies are on the market, and if you want to save money, you should pay special attention to cost-effective IT outsourcing company options.  

When you hire a focused e-commerce app development company for a luxury clothing app like FARFETCH, you can expect them to stick to your budget, look at the risks, and make a promise.  

Before each step, the team should give an estimate and schedule to ensure everyone is on the same page. Up-to-date information on the results can also help the client. 

 

How to choose the best developer? What tech stack suits luxury retail? How to ensure seamless user experience? What security measures are essential?

 

4. Define App Features & Functionalities 

Now choose the basic features of a luxury shopping app that show worth to the customer. Also, remember to insert unique features in your application to make it stand out. Users today are spoiled and expect the best service and elite retail experience possible. 

So, put your app’s quality, speed, and personalized shopping experience at the top of your priority lists. If you build an e-commerce app with attractive features, you can try your online store app with real people. You will also get the feedback you need to start competing with other products.    

 

How to integrate multiple luxury brands?  What payment gateways ensure secure transactions?  How to implement AR for virtual try-ons?  What features enhance personalized shopping experience?

 

 

5. Make a Professional UI/UX Design 

For your luxury app to be successful, user-centered design is a must. To do this, you need to follow the steps for the Android and iOS guides. Do you know this mobile app for luxury brands comprises most of the market? Almost all users have either an iPhone or an Android OS device.

You should know that similar apps like FARFETCH are mostly made with the 2-tap or 5-point rules in mind. This means that users should only need to tap twice to get what they want. Also, the interface should not have more than five main design elements.    

 

What are the key UI/UX principles?  How to ensure a luxury feel?  What color schemes suit luxury retail?  How to optimize navigation for users?

 

6. Develop an MVP Version  

To make an MVP version of a FARFETCH clone app, you need to make a simple but useful version of a luxury fashion store. A well-made MVP saves time and money while making sure the app meets user needs. 

So, set up the most important features first like showing products, using search filters, and making sure payments are safe. To fit the image of a luxury brand, make sure the user experience is smooth and stylish. 

Hire an Android app development company who can help you make a quick app that works well on mobile devices. Early adopters can test the app, give comments, and help make it better before it goes live to everyone.  

 

What core features should be proritized?  Which payment methods must be integrated?  How will user authentication be handled?  What tech stack suits the MVP?

 

7. Test and Launch the App 

Before releasing it on the app stores, it helps find the mistakes and bugs. Due to this, the quality analysts will test the application similar to FARFETCH using various testing methods. The deployment stage tells you if your work on luxury shopping app development paid off.

Also, half of the success at this stage depends on proper testing and quality assurance. To do this, you must add analytical tools, test the product in production, and collect stats after the app is released. The final step is launching an app on Google Play and the App Store.  

 

How to conduct app performance testing?  What security measures should be tested?  How to gather user feedback pre-launch?  What strategies ensure a successful launch?

 

Key Features of a Luxury Retail Mobile Application like FARFETCH   

If you’re planning to develop an app like FARFETCH, you need to include some essential features to make it user-friendly, stylish, and efficient. Here are the key features you should add to your FARFETCH clone app: 

 

 

• Authorization

Customers do not like having to enter a lot of personal data. If you want your online shopping app to do well, make things as easy as possible. Checking out as a guest or being able to log in with a social media account are the best choices.  

 

• Push Notifications

If you want to make a luxury shopping app like Poshmark that sells luxury goods, alerts about future sales, new items, or cart refills could be a great way to get people to buy more. The way push notifications work is similar to messaging apps.      

 

• Search & Catalog

It is the one that has everything you could ever want. This is simple to do with filters, search result prompts, and ideas. An alternative search result page could be a secret weapon for you, even if you do not have the items in stock yet.   

 

• Ratings & Reviews

57% of shoppers buy something after reading reviews from other customers. 91% of people who buy things online also read reviews, and 84% accept a review as much as a friend’s recommendation. Offering consumers the chance to rate their elite retail experience right from the app or asking them to leave a review is one way to turn a designer fashion app like FARFECTH into a place where people can share information.   

 

• Checkout Process

One rule guides designer brand shopping apps and websites like Net-a-Porter, Wish, and more: less is more. An iOS app development company suggests making your shopping cart have a one-step checkout. Aside from that, it should be quick and work perfectly as 25% of customers will leave if they have to enter their shipping information again. 

 

• Payment Gateway   

If entering payment information takes too long, 30% of buyers will leave. Online luxury marketplaces and websites like AliExpress and other FARFETCH alternatives spend a lot of time and money ensuring that secure payment gateways for luxury shopping the process works perfectly and there are many ways to pay.     

 

• Customer Support

Customers should have multiple options to receive assistance if they want their designer brand shopping app to stand out. Numerous channels for communication with the business, including social media, email, chat rooms, phone calls, and more, should be included in an all-in-one luxury e-commerce app. Whichever option a consumer chooses, they should receive a response within 24 hours.  

 

 

Advanced Features of Luxury Retail App Similar to FARFETCH

Maybe in two years, the luxury shopping industry will look very different from what it does now. So, if you want to make a luxury shopping app that stays popular, you should think about adding some advanced features that could bring in more customers in the future. 

 

 

• Suggestions

The feature that suggests stores is what makes a designer brand shopping application like FARFETCH work. Most free analytical services can help by looking at what customers want and need. This lets an app make an excellent suggestion system, making it easier to cross-sell and up-sell.  

 

• Wishlist

If you want to create an e-commerce store similar to FARFETCH, put it out there, and everything seems fine. Not all of the people who visit will buy it. Adding a wish list to your online shopping app would be a great idea. Customers are more likely to return to your app and buy products without any problems if they can put off purchasing.  

 

• AR/VR Shopping 

Augmented reality in fashion eCommerce or virtual reality is not yet an expected or inexpensive feature. For example, the Amazon app tries to use the best technology stack for a luxury shopping app. Since there is a certain type of customer who would like to see a 3D image of the item or electronically “try it on” before buying it.

 

• Shipping System

63% of buyers will leave if the shipping costs are too high. Also, 36% are likely to back out of the deal if shipping takes too long. The most irritating thing is that there is no information about the shipping progress. You can integrate the shipping system into a luxury lifestyle app that does well and has a reliable third-party shipping service. 

 

5 Best Luxury Retail Apps Like FARFETCH

Here are some of the best luxury shopping apps that you can use as examples if you want to make your own useful luxury shopping application like FARFETCH. Let’s look at the FARFETCH alternatives. 

 

 

FARFETCH Alternatives	Available Platform	Downloads	Ratings
eMAG	Android | iOS	10M+	4.6
Net-a-Porter	Android | iOS	1M+	4.2
Tata CLiQ	Android | iOS	5M+	3.9
Lyst	Android | iOS	1M+	3.9
Depop	Android | iOS	10M+	3.2

 

How Much Does it Cost to Develop an App like FARFETCH?

The cost to build an app like FARFETCH ranges between $10000 – $25000. However the luxury eCommerce app development cost can fluctuate depending on the variables like app complexity, functionalities, design, platform choice, etc. 

Besides, the customization levels will also affect the FARFETCH app development cost. Remember that these are just the ballpark estimation. To know the actual cost to develop an app like FARFETCH, a reliable mobile app development company, will provide you with project phases. It will also help you better understand the price.      

There will be costs associated with shopping app development solutions, so you must set aside a budget for them. First, let’s discuss some of the factors that affect the FARFETCH clone app development cost.        

 

1. Complexity of the App

The average price of eCommerce app development depends a lot on how complicated and big your project is. If your Farfetch multi-vendor marketplace app needs advanced features, especially for iOS, you can expect to pay a huge amount for them. However, if you are on a tight budget, choosing an easier, more basic luxury eCommerce app can help you save money.      

 

App complexity	Cost estimation
Simple FARFETCH App	$10000 – $15000
Medium FARFETCH App	$15000 – $20000
Complex FARFETCH App	$25000+

 

2. Platform Choice

The cost to create an app similar to FARFETCH can also be affected by the platform used. iOS and Android are two popular platforms for eCommerce app development solutions. Usually, it costs more to make an app alternative to FARFETCH for every device. But if you want to save money, you should look into cross-platform solutions. These let you reach iOS and Android users for less money.  

 

Platform Choice	Costs Estimation
iOS	$14000 – $25000
Android	$12000 – $22000
Cross-Platform	$10000 – $18000

 

3. App Design

UI/UX design is an important part of all projects. The design you pick will affect the luxury retail app development cost. It is essential to make a design that looks good and is easy to use so that it is more beneficial. Choosing styles that are easy to understand and smooth navigation can make the omnichannel shopping experience much better and encourage them to return. Besides, creating a website for your e-commerce business can be helpful and the cost to make an e-commerce website will also be less.  

 

Stage	Estimated Cost
UI Design	$2,000 – $4,500
Prototyping & Interaction Design	$1,000 – $2,500
Usability Testing & Iteration	$2,000 – $3,000

 

4. Feature Set and Functionality

It is crucial to pick the right features for your luxury retail app as they need to appeal to the people you want to use it. Adding advanced features like voice search, personalized suggestions, AI chatbots, and virtual try-ons can raise the cost to develop a FARFETCH clone app. So, put features that fit your budget at the top of your list while still making users more interested which can reduce the cost to develop a luxury retail app. 

 

Feature	Cost Range
Personalized Recommendations	$1,000 – $1500
AR Try-on	$1,500 – $2,000
Secure Payment Gateways	$800 – $1,000
High-Resolution Imagery	$1,000 – $2,000
Customization & Brand Elements	Varies significantly

 

 

How To Monetize Your Luxury Retail App Like FARFETCH?

The luxury shopping app needs to make money. So, here are five monetization strategies that helped FARFETCH earn huge income and that you can also apply to your boutique retail app:     

 

 

1. Commission-Based Model 

FARFETCH is a market that brings together customers from all over the world with luxury brands and shops. For every sale that goes through its fashion ecommerce website development solution, it gets paid some money. That is the same idea behind charging a fee for each transaction and letting luxury brands put their goods on your prestige shopping platform. 

 

For Example: Net-a-Porter works as an exclusive shopping platform for luxury brands and earns commissions on sales.

 

2. Exclusive Membership & VIP Programs

FARFETCH has special memberships that come with benefits like early access to sales, personal styling, and faster shipping. You can add a VIP membership to your app so that people who pay a fee can get extra perks. Discounts, faster customer service, and limited-edition sets are a few examples of boutique retail apps.

 

For Example: Mytheresa’s top customer program provides VIP customers early access to sales and personal styling services.  

 

3. White-Label & Custom E-commerce Solutions

Just like FARFETCH makes money by selling “white-label” solutions, you can use its technology to let brands make their own online shops. You need to offer luxury stores “white-label” options that let them make their own sections in your application like FARFETCH, with their own brands. You should charge these high-end fashion eCommerce stores for this service.

 

For Example: Shopify Plus enables luxury brands to create branded online stores while charging for its service. 

 

4. Logistics & Fulfillment Services

Luxury brands need premium transportation to make sure deliveries are safe and quick. For partner brands, FARFETCH makes money by helping with transportation and fulfillment. You can use the same approach by charging extra for packaging, storing, and fast delivery.

 

For Example: DHL Luxury Logistics offers specialized delivery and fulfillment for premium brands.  

 

5. Affiliate Marketing & Sponsored Listings

Influencers and fashion bloggers work with FARFETCH to sell luxury goods. Brands also pay to be seen more often on the site. You can let luxury stores pay for sponsored listings, featured placements, and deals run by influencers to get more people to see and buy from their ads.   

 

For Example: SSENSE works with influencers to promote luxury products and increase visibility. 

 

Future Trends in Luxury Retail Applications

The luxury fashion industry is evolving fast, and new technologies are shaping how people shop. Here are some exciting trends that will define the future of luxury retail apps like FARFETCH:  

 

 

1. NFTs & Digital Fashion

You could buy a digital copy of a fashion bag or dress that you could use in the metaverse or on social media. NFTs let fashion brands make one-of-a-kind digital items that give buyers a sense of ownership, fame, and scarcity. Online fashion is a new style because luxury brands are already trying it out.    

 

Did You Know: In 2021, Dolce & Gabbana’s “Collezione Genesi” NFT collection, which combined physical and digital pieces, garnered over $6 million in sales.

 

2. AI-Powered Personalized Shopping

What AI can tell you that you will love is getting better. Soon, the best e-commerce apps will use AI-driven fashion recommendations to suggest clothes for you to wear based on your style, past purchases, and even events you have coming up. Think about getting style tips from a personal AI assistant in your application like FARFETCH knows precisely what you need.  

 

Fun Fact: A Deloitte study revealed that 52% of retailers plan to implement Generative AI within the next year for content creation, and 25% aim to utilize it for brand campaigns and marketing.

 

3. Blockchain for Authenticity & Transparency

Customers who buy expensive things want to be sure they are getting the real deal. With blockchain technology, each item can have its own unique digital proof that shows where it came from and that it is real. This helps stop fake goods and gives buyers faith in the things they buy.     

 

Did You Know: The luxury counterfeit market is worth $4.5 trillion globally, with 60% of fake goods coming from fashion.

 

4. Sustainable & Circular Fashion

Plus-size brands are putting more focus on shopping used and eco-friendly. Soon, applications like FARFETCH will let you rent luxury clothes, sell used designer items, or buy used luxury items in brand-new shape. This lifestyle app development solution cuts down on trash and encourages sustainability.

 

Did You Know: Counterfeit goods cost the luxury industry $98 billion in losses annually.

 

Final Thoughts

If you have a high-end store or want to start one, creating a luxury retail app like FARFETCH can help you start your business. So, if you are looking for the best on-demand app development solution, then the search ends here.     

We at Dev Technosys can assist you to create a FARFETCH clone app. From creating food delivery apps to luxury retail app solutions, we are best at everything. So, tell our expert what you need for your project, and we will come up with a way to help your business reach new heights. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions!

Q1. How Long Does It Take to Make An App Like FARFETCH? 

The estimated time to create an app like FARFETCH can be 2-7 months. However, the app’s complexity, features, design, and development team’s location. 

 

Q2. How Much Does It Cost To Build An App Like FARFETCH?

The FARFETCH app development cost ranges between $10000 – $25000 or more depending on your project requirements. So, it is best to consult with a FARFETCH app development company about the exact cost. 

 

Q3. How to Create an AI-Powered Luxury Fashion App? 

• Idea validation 
• Do competitor research   
• Create an AI feature list
• Develop an MVP version
• Test and launch

 

Q4. What Are the Top 5 FARFETCH Alternatives? 

• eMAG 
• Net-a-Porter 
• Tata CLiQ
• Lyst
• Depop

 

Q5. How to Earn Money From Luxury Retail App?

• Commission based model 
• Exclusive membership    
• White label & custom eCommerce 
• Logistics & fulfillment service 
• Sponsored listings