Online clothing rental platform Hirestreet has launched its first shoe rental collection in partnership with Schuh.
In a somewhat more niche, but no less intriguing, development the Newcastle-based platform has also announced it is partnering with Cornish sustainable wetsuit manufacturer Finisterre to offer wetsuit rental to water sports enthusiasts.
Of perhaps greater interest to the average shopper, the range of Schuh shoes, from high heels to wedges, will allow shoppers to hire a full look from Hirestreet for the first time as it reports a record summer for occasionwear rental, with traffic up 300 per cent year on year. Last month it says it received 250 requests for shoes to complete the outfits.
Rental prices start from £5 for a five-day period and £10 for ten days, with seven styles currently available to hire, including platform sandals, strappy high heels and tie-up heels.
Hirestreet chief executive Isabella West said: “At Hirestreet, we are always looking for ways to expand our offering to meet customers’ needs. As our audience becomes more comfortable with rental, they are looking at how they utilise its power beyond just their dress or core item and create a complete rental look.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Schuh on our first shoe collection; giving our renters the opportunity to access complimentary footwear to their outfit at amazing value.”
For the more adventurous, meanwhile, Finisterre will be using Hirestreet’s third party white label platform Zoa to rent out its range of trademarked Yulex wetsuits, made using natural rubber from plantations certified by the Forest Stewardship Council combined with recycled spandex and polyester.
Finisterre will charge a daily rental fee of 2.5% of the total RRP of the suit, while delivery is free and comes with a prepaid label for returns. Finisterre also offers a money-back guarantee for any item returned unworn, in case renters, maybe quite literally, get cold feet.
Finisterre will be in good company on Zoa, with brands including French Connection and Harmur also using the platform to rent directly to customers.
