

Jennifer Hyman, RTR’s chief executive, once said that she wants to put Zara and H&M, the giants of high-street retail, out of business. Rakesh Tondon, the boss of Le Tote, another rental startup, predicts that more retailers will launch rentals in the next five years as they see the potential. Several American clothing brands, including Ann Taylor (popular for business attire) and NY&Co (a fixture in shopping malls) are testing the package. The deal includes the digital technology, cleaning and warehousing services needed to run a clothes-rental business. Christine Hunsicker, co-founder of Gwynnie Bee, a RTR rival with a niche in plus-sizes, is launching a service for conventional retailers looking to rent some inventory. Other brands are expanding upon RTR’s model. RTR has since scaled up its supply, and there are now hundreds of units of each style and size. Ms Salinas admits that when RTR introduced its subscription services it did not have enough inventory to meet demand. Late arrivals are another headache for customers, as well as patchy inventory.

These charges accrue and can match the retail price. RTR has a strict policy for non-returns, charging customers a late fee of $50 per day after a 24-hour grace period.
#Rent the runway dresses full
But more recently a dress she ordered for an annual ball that she organises came in a size she could barely squeeze into (RTR gave her a full refund).Īnother snag can be shipping. A bridesmaid’s dress rented by Reagan Sims, a customer in Washington, DC a couple of years ago worked well. Sometimes monthly subscribers receive frocks that have not been pressed or cleaned. Another young woman who chooses casual outfits for the weekend says her subscription is a money-saver because she has stopped buying clothes.Ĭustomers do have niggles. At the Manhattan shop at 9am on a Wednesday, two women in their twenties explain that they often drop in on their way to work to pick up clothes to wear that day and change at the office. The firm had revenues of over $100m in 2016, the latest year for which it gives numbers, and says it is profitable at the level of operating earnings. Foot traffic is up by 80% from the same time last year, says Anushka Salinas, who oversees sales. To lure more customers, RTR has opened bricks-and-mortar shops in New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Washington, DC. Cleaning and insurance for minor damages are always included. Renting a ball gown when an occasion arises runs at about a sixth of what it would cost to buy it. Some two-fifths of American women who have heard of the service (or any of its younger competitors) say they would be willing to rent outfits.
#Rent the runway dresses skin
For $159 a month, its “unlimited” and most expensive plan, subscribers can rent four items at any one time.Ĭonstant novelty seems to outweigh the “yuck” factor of wearing something that rubbed against someone else’s skin not long ago. Now nearly three-quarters of its 9m clients across America use it for work clothes. RTR started with formal dresses that women rented for weddings and other events. Its dry-cleaning warehouse is the world’s biggest, processing 2,000 items per hour. Shake up your wardrobe with a bit of fun and versatility with these need-now pieces.Such efficiency is essential for Rent the Runway (RTR), a New York-based, privately-owned startup with a value of almost $800m that rents out clothes, handbags and jewellery. They're the perfect piece to pack on vacation because they work with just about every top you could want to wear. A must-have in many closets this season is a denim mini skirt. Or for a daring look, try a pair of culottes with wide leg paired with a chunky heel. Wear a bold color pleated skirt with a neutral top, and be sure to cinch it at the waist with a cute belt. We have unique, boho styles for everyone. Whether you're searching for the finishing touch to your outfit, or creating an entire look around the perfect skirt, we have every essential look for this season.īrowse our collection of skirts for every season. Our selection of mini, midi, and maxi skirts are an antidote to the wear-it-once dilemma of a dress. The outfit options for just one skirt are truly endless. Our latest line-up gives women the freedom to mix and match styles from flowy to fitted, casual to dressed up. Skirts have a certain bohemian spirit at their core that we adore.
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