by Nissa Hanna
WHAT’S HAPPENING
- To help recessionistas cope in this economy, apparel rental services are coming to the rescue.
- Dress Vault facilitates the lending, borrowing, buying and selling of frocks. Members put pics of their dresses into their virtual closet and include a rental or purchase price (JCReport.com 2.12.09). Borrowers cover shipping costs, but not the cleaning bill.
- Over in London, Girl Meets Dress is helping women look their best on a budget by loaning high-end dresses from designers like Diane Von Furstenberg, 3.1 Phillip Lim and Stella McCartney. The shopper designates her loaner length — from two nights to a month —and returns the dress in the package it was delivered in.
WHAT THIS MEANS TO BUSINESS
- Clothing is often seen as a discretionary purchase, but devoted fashionistas want to stay true to their craft. As a result, some of these cash-conscious clotheshorses are looking for creative and savvy retail alternatives to help them stay in style without spending a lot.
RESOURCES
- Dress Vault: No membership fees; no fees taken from sales
Girl Meets Dress: Rentals vary by label and piece
