This week we had the honor to represent ZusenZomer at a very special occasion: Trusted Shops celebrated its 25th anniversary. The festivities took place in Cologne and, for us as entrepreneurs, it felt not only like a birthday but especially like an inspiring gathering around a theme close to our hearts: trust in e-commerce.
Wednesday: arrival and first impressions of Cologne
We decided to arrive already on Wednesday. After checking in, we headed into the city: a quick visit to the impressive Cathedral, a short walk along the Rhine, and a coffee break at a lively square. It gave us exactly the right energy for what was to come: meeting, exchanging, and looking ahead.
Dinner with Trusted Shops & fellow e-tailers
That evening we joined a dinner with Trusted Shops staff and (co-)founders, together with online retailers from several countries. It quickly became clear how much everyone is focused on the same goal: providing customers with a safe and enjoyable online shopping experience. We discussed our challenges, learned from each other’s approaches, and discovered overlaps for possible cooperation. The atmosphere was open and personal — exactly the kind of exchange that immediately sparks new ideas for your brand.
Thursday: the event and the launch of “No More Fakes”
On Thursday the official program began. Of course, we celebrated the 25th anniversary of Trusted Shops, but the main news was the introduction of “No More Fakes”. With this initiative, Trusted Shops aims to actively fight fake shops and help consumers more quickly recognize whether a shop is genuine.
In practice, participating shops will feature a verification button that allows visitors to instantly check if a store is verified and part of Trusted Shops. We fully support this and are eager to participate. It perfectly matches the way we have been working for years: transparent, honest, and focused on building reliable relationships with our customers.
Proud moment: Martine on the panel
A personal highlight for us was when Martine joined a panel discussion on behalf of ZusenZomer. She shared our experiences as an online shop and explained what trust means in practice — from clear communication to attentive customer service. The feedback afterwards was heartwarming: many compliments and meaningful conversations with entrepreneurs who recognized themselves in our story. For us as a team, it was a proud moment.
New contacts & ideas
Between sessions we spoke with entrepreneurs, marketers, and the Trusted Shops team. We exchanged tips, shared cases, and brainstormed ways to help consumers better identify trustworthy shops. Such encounters bring energy and ensure that we return home with concrete ideas.
Festive finale with live music
The anniversary concluded with a big party — complete with live music from Ray Dalton. The crowd went wild, and so did we. It was exactly that mix of substance and joy that made these days so special. As the cherry on top, we received a beautiful anniversary sweater. We wore it — literally — on the way back home. A tangible memory of an event that will stay with us for a long time.
What we take with us & what you can expect
We look back on two days that confirmed our direction. “No More Fakes” is an initiative we fully embrace, and we can’t wait to also offer our customers extra certainty through the new verification button. Trust is built every day — with clear information, good service, and by showing who you are and what you stand for.
Soon we’ll share more about how and when the verification feature will appear in our own shop. Until then, we will continue to do what we’ve been doing for over 15 years: carefully creating products that last, and running a webshop where you can shop with peace of mind.
Trusted Shops, congratulations on 25 years — here’s to a safe online market with No More Fakes. Thank you for the inspiration, the conversations, and the amazing party (with Ray Dalton live!).
