Fashion retailer Monsoon and My Wardrobe HQ have joined forces to introduce a rental collection of bridal and occasion wear.
- The collection features 30 rental options, including bridal pieces, bridesmaid dresses, and occasion dresses.
- Standout items include a bestseller, the feather-trimmed bridal jumpsuit, with new additions each season.
- Rental prices start from £5 per day for formalwear, extending up to £14 for bridalwear.
- The initiative follows a challenging financial year for Monsoon, with group sales dropping by 4%.
Monsoon, a prominent fashion retailer, has collaborated with My Wardrobe HQ to launch an innovative rental collection specifically designed for bridal and occasion wear. This strategic partnership aims to capitalise on the demand for more sustainable and affordable fashion choices, particularly as the wedding season approaches. By offering a rental service, Monsoon seeks to provide its customers with access to exquisitely designed pieces without the commitment of purchase, thereby expanding its reach and promoting sustainable fashion.
The inaugural collection features a curated selection of 30 rental options. This ensemble includes nine bridal pieces, eleven bridesmaid dresses, and ten other occasion dresses. Among the standout items is Monsoon’s bestselling feather-trimmed bridal jumpsuit. The retailer plans to enhance the collection each season by adding more of its bestselling dresses and formal wear, ensuring that the offerings remain fresh and desirable to their clientele.
Pricing for this rental service is structured to be accessible, with rates commencing at £5 to £6 per day for formal wear selections, and £8 to £14 per day for bridal attire. Customers are required to make a minimum commitment of four days for any rental, allowing them the flexibility to enjoy these high-end garments for short-term use. This pricing strategy not only makes luxury fashion more economical but also supports Monsoon’s broader goal of reaching modern women who seek diverse and sophisticated wardrobe options.
Naomi Robertson, Monsoon’s Buying and Merchandise Director, remarked on the initiative, stating, “Dress rental allows our customers to wear and return our most gorgeous bridal and occasion pieces, ever widening our reach and giving modern women a more affordable and sustainable choice.” This statement underscores the retailer’s commitment to marrying sustainability with style, a sentiment echoed throughout the industry as more brands pivot towards circular fashion models.
The launch of this rental collection comes at a critical juncture for Monsoon, following a challenging fiscal period. The retailer’s parent company, Adena Brands, reported a 4% decline in group sales, dropping to £248 million for the year ending 26 August 2023. This decrease was attributed to a strategic transition to a new franchise partner in Saudi Arabia and diminished sales in their children’s wear line. Despite these hurdles, Monsoon experienced a 4% increase in like-for-like retail sales, driven by its Accessorize brand.
By aligning with My Wardrobe HQ, Monsoon is not only advancing its sustainable fashion agenda but also broadening its market appeal during financially turbulent times.
