Hirestreet, a prominent rental platform in the UK, has recently appointed Rosie Hartman as their Strategy Lead. Hartman, who has previously worked at Zalando, Depop, and Otrium, brings a wealth of knowledge in the disruptive fashion industry. This appointment comes as Hirestreet undergoes a strategic shift towards a rental marketplace model. In the past, the platform operated as a third-party rental platform, but it will now work closely with brand partners to co-market their rental offerings. With this new strategy, Hirestreet aims to achieve gross booking values surpassing £1 million this year.
What sets this development apart is that it marks the first time a UK rental platform has been led by a strategic hire rather than the founder. Founder Isabella West emphasized the significance of Hartman’s expertise in scaling up the platform from a startup rental platform to a marketplace.
In addition to hiring Hartman, Hirestreet has also launched a new branding strategy and redesigned website to align with its marketplace vision. The updated branding aims to convey the platform’s inclusivity and innovative approach, while user-friendly improvements enhance the overall customer experience.
Looking ahead to 2022, Hirestreet has plans to establish groundbreaking partnerships with renowned retailers and introduce fresh inventory from beloved brands. The platform will also place greater emphasis on its ‘Bundles’ offer, enabling consumers to rent three items for a fixed fee over a one-month period.
These recent developments come at an opportune time for the rental sector, as 2022 is projected to be the first year of relative normalcy post-pandemic. With numerous events and occasions expected to take place, consumers may prefer to rent high-end clothing instead of making infrequent purchases. However, Hirestreet acknowledges that consumer preferences have shifted towards more casual styles, as evidenced by the popularity of its Bundles collection, which offers a rotating wardrobe of sustainable fashion.
Hirestreet’s strategic shift, coupled with Hartman’s appointment and the platform’s rebranding efforts, positions it to capitalize on the growing demand for sustainable and flexible fashion solutions in the rental market. With a focus on collaboration with brand partners and an enhanced user experience, Hirestreet aims to establish itself as a leading player in the rental marketplace industry.
Useful links:
– Hirestreet official website
– Reuters article on Hirestreet’s strategic hire
