John Lewis has expanded its rental services to include the most extensive range of menswear brands available on the high street. This move follows the success of its womenswear rental platform launched in 2022.
The new menswear rental platform is powered by Hurr, offering a curated selection of brands with prices starting at £40 for a four-day rental. The initiative promises to cater to a diverse customer base, with sizes ranging from 34 to 46.
Expanding the Menswear Rental Market
John Lewis has introduced the most extensive range of menswear brands available for rent in the UK high street. Following the success of their women’s rental platform debut in 2022, this expansion is expected to draw significant interest. The platform, powered by Hurr, offers a carefully selected variety of brands. Prices start at £40 for a four-day rental of a dinner jacket and trousers, catering to sizes from 34 to 46.
Shoppers can explore the collection online, opting to rent garments for periods of 4, 8, 16, or 30 days. For convenience, next-day delivery is available. Once items are selected, they are shipped to customers with a prepaid return label. Post-rental, the items are dry cleaned by Hurr, ensuring they are ready for the next customer. The range includes brands like Boss Tailoring, Charles Tyrwhitt, and new entrant Hay Life.
Customer Demand and Market Trends
The initiative is in response to a growing demand. Over the past 18 months, “mens rental” has been consistently among the top 30 search terms on the John Lewis website. This reflects an increasing trend towards rental options in menswear.
The global menswear rental market is projected to reach £2.36 billion by 2027, according to The Global Online Rental Report. This trend underscores the industry’s potential and consumer shift towards sustainable fashion choices.
Company’s Strategy and Vision
Kathleen Mitchell, Commercial Director at John Lewis, highlighted the uniqueness of their offering. She stated, “We’re unique on the high street to be able to offer the widest range of multiple brands to rent from everyday suits to more premium brands and styles.”
Mitchell also noted that this service is ideal for last-minute events, saying, “A perfect solution for a last-minute dinner party or day at the races.” She expressed excitement about the service’s growth potential,
emphasising that this is just the beginning for menswear rental at John Lewis.
Success of Women’s Rental Platform
The womenswear rental platform, launched in 2022, has seen remarkable growth. Membership has increased by 52%, with rentals rising by 40% year on year. This success has likely informed the company’s decision to expand into menswear.
The positive reception of the womenswear platform indicates a promising future for the menswear rental service. The transition from women’s to men’s rental services demonstrates John Lewis’s commitment to meeting evolving customer needs and market demands.
Operational Details and User Experience
The rental process is designed for ease and convenience. Customers can select their rental period and receive next-day delivery if needed. Each item comes with a prepaid return label, simplifying the return process.
After use, garments are returned to John Lewis, where Hurr handles the dry cleaning. This ensures that all items are in excellent condition for the next rental.
This seamless process enhances the customer experience, making high-quality menswear accessible and convenient.
Brand Partnerships and Market Positioning
The range includes respected brands, enhancing the appeal of the service. Boss Tailoring and Charles Tyrwhitt are among the notable names featured in the collection.
The inclusion of new brands like Hay Life indicates John Lewis’s commitment to diversifying its offerings. This strategic approach not only broadens customer choice but also positions John Lewis as a leader in the menswear rental market.
The expansion of John Lewis’s rental services to include menswear signifies a major step forward in the UK retail market. With growing interest and a comprehensive range of brands, this initiative is set to redefine men’s fashion.
As the demand for sustainable and convenient fashion solutions continues to rise, John Lewis’s innovative approach positions it at the forefront of the industry.
