Decathlon launches rental skiwear and hiking gear
Decathlon has launched its first UK rental collection via Hirestreet, consisting of an exclusive ski-wear and outerwear edit.
Fashion rental platform Hirestreet, which is run by former North East Young Business Person of the Year Isabella West, was formed in Newcastle four years ago on a mission to reverse the fast fashion trend in which customers buy clothes and hardly wear them before discarding items.
Decathlon said it is seeking to “take advantage of the return to the slopes for many Brits”, while also offering a range of “hiking gear to tap into the demand from those opting for festive staycations, and those bounding into the new year with active resolutions”.
Available to hire via rental platform Hirestreet’s website, the Decathlon collection consists of 18 different styles of high performance ski and hiking jackets and trousers for women, ranging from sizes 6 to 16.
Ms West, founder and CEO of Hirestreet, said: “Demand for rental fashion boomed in 2021 and customers are now looking to hire items for more than just formal occasions. For many of us, who ski infrequently, renting ski-wear makes a lot of sense: it’s high in price, bulky to store and rarely used.
“I would love to use Hirestreet for skiwear. I am someone who skis very infrequently – I went on a uni ski trip in the last decade and invested in a bright yellow Top Shop jacket. So I’m absolutely someone this would apply to, who would love to try and go but definitely wouldn’t have all the kit myself. And I also don’t have the space to store ski kit.
“Decathlon has been a market leader in sportswear for decades and we share similar values to sustainably make clothing – be it sportswear or fashion – accessible to everyone and with the planet in mind. We are proud to be partnering with Decathlon for their first ever UK rental collection.”
Sharon Poulter, rental manager at Decathlon, added: “Renting our textile products is a new venture for us, and one that we’re excited to be sharing with Hirestreet. It is another way in which we are making sport more accessible – through convenience, price point and flexibility, all while reducing our impact on the planet. Renting ski wear was an obvious starting point, but we expect to expand our offer in the future to make getting active even easier and more sustainable.”
Ms West said Hirestreet is now looking to explore more activewear options, having also recently branched out with maternity wear and bridesmaids dresses.
At the end of last year Hirestreet group announced it would be helping Marks and Spencer to launch its first clothing rental service, receiving an undisclosed investment from the retail giant.
Since then, the company has attracted a host of new firms looking to work with the fashion disruptor. It now works with 50 brand partners including M&S, ASOS, Ghost, French Connection and Nobody’s Child.
