search
Glossy Logo
Glossy Logo
Subscribe Login
  • Glossy+ Member Subscribe Now
  • Glossy+ homepage
  • My account
  • FAQ
  • Newsletters
  • Log out
  • Beauty
  • Fashion
  • Glossy+
  • Podcasts
  • Events
  • Awards
  • Pop
search
Glossy Logo
Subscribe Login
  • Glossy+ Member Subscribe Now
  • Glossy+ homepage
  • My account
  • FAQ
  • Newsletters
  • Log out
  • Beauty
  • Fashion
  • Pop
  • Glossy+
  • Events
  • Podcasts
  • Newsletters
  • facebook
  • twitter
  • linkedin
  • instagram
  • email
  • email
Fashion

Rent the Runway leverages physical retail for sample sales

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • Reddit
By Danny Parisi
Sep 22, 2022
rent the runway cosmopolitan of las vegas

Last week, Rent the Runway announced in its second-quarter earnings call that it’s laying off nearly a quarter of its workforce, in an effort to focus on profitability. As part of that announcement, CEO Jenn Hyman said further restructuring would be announced soon.

Rent the Runway permanently shuttered all five of its physical stores in 2020. Now, the company is returning to physical retail by leveraging the Leap platform to host temporary sample sales. According to Rent the Runway, this is not a new strategy for Rent the Runway, which has worked with Leap and 260 Sample Sale to host sales in the past. The next sale is expected to take place in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C. later this month, in the mixed-use center Georgetown Park.

Leap operates retail stores for a number of brands including ThirdLove and Naadam (which are also opening stores in D.C. this fall). Leap takes care of operations and rent negotiations, reducing some of the logistical costs of retail openings.

According to Tucker Crockett, principal of Rohrer Realty Partners, which owns the storefront RTR will be moving into, the area of Georgetown is ideal for digitally-native brands like Rent the Runway.

“[It’s a] natural location to target, from a real estate perspective. Georgetown spaces are hard to come by in today’s market and, with its proximity to the local universities and residents, all the digitally native brands are wanting to be there,” Crockett said in a press release. “The growth happening … is also exciting for the next generation of brands looking to expand into [centers made up of] office, retail and residential.”

Recent earnings reports have been optimistic for Rent the Runway. After a tough time at the beginning of the pandemic, when reasons to rent clothing were few and far between, its subscribers have mostly returned. Current subscriber count, 124,000, is close to 90% of its pre-pandemic level. In addition, its quarterly revenue is up 64%, compared to last year.

RTR has recently expanded its resale business. Last summer, it expanded the option to buy clothing directly from its site to non-members, and it partnered with Saks Off 5th to resell in its stores in July. 

Editor’s note: This story originally stated that Rent the Runway’s store location in Georgetown location would be a permanent store location for the company. That was incorrect. The story has been updated to reflect that Rent the Runway will operate the space temporarily.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • Reddit
Related reads
  • The New Luxury
    How much does the social media backlash to the Sánchez-Bezos wedding matter to brands?
  • Member Exclusive
    Fashion Briefing: The soccer opportunity for fashion is booming in the US
  • Fashion
    Vogue faces new headwinds as Anna Wintour — who agency execs say made ad dollars flow — shifts focus
Latest Stories
  • Glossy Pop Newsletter
    Glossy Pop Newsletter: When it comes to brand trips, is all press good press?
  • The New Luxury
    How much does the social media backlash to the Sánchez-Bezos wedding matter to brands?
  • The New Luxury
    ‘I can have my cake and eat it, too’: Why younger patients are seeking facelifts
logo

Get news and analysis about fashion, beauty and culture delivered to your inbox every morning.

Reach Out
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Linkedin
  • Instagram
  • Threads
  • Email
About Us
  • About Us
  • Masthead
  • Advertise with us
  • Digiday Media
  • Custom
  • FAQ
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
©2025 Digiday Media. All rights reserved.