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Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.

How Rent the Runway Came Back From the Brink

The rental platform saw its stock soar last week after predicting it would hit a key profitability metric this year. A new marketing push and more robust inventory are the key to unlocking elusive growth, CEO Jenn Hyman tells BoF.
Inside Rent the Runway's pop-up event in April 2024 at its former Manhattan flagship.
Inside Rent the Runway's pop-up event this week at its former Manhattan flagship. (Rent the Runway)

Last week, Rent the Runway got a taste of what it’s like to be the hottest start-up in fashion again.

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Further Reading

The Retailer That Finally Got Rental Right

Urban Outfitters has spent over $100 million building Nuuly, a competitor to Rent the Runway that stocks more casual clothing. Four years in, the service is growing fast, and its owner says it will soon be profitable.

How to Make Rental Work

After years of trial and error, rental platforms have found new ways to improve margins and acquire customers, such as focussing on niche categories. Profitability remains elusive, however.

Can Pickle Make Fashion Rental Work?

The peer-to-peer rental service sidesteps some problems that have plagued Rent the Runway. But it’s not without its own complications (just ask Pickle power users’ dry cleaners).

About the author
Cathaleen Chen
Cathaleen Chen

Cathaleen Chen is Retail Editor at The Business of Fashion. She is based in New York and drives BoF’s coverage of the retail and direct-to-consumer sectors.

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