Nordstrom and Rent the Runway taking partnership to a new level

With the fashion rental market growing, an online retail upstart and a heritage department store are combining forces in an ambitious new initiative to “shape the future of retail.”

Rent the Runway, which pioneered the concept of online apparel subscription rental and Nordstrom are launching a multi-pronged partnership across stores, inventory innovation and product development. The collaboration builds on a pilot, announced in July, with Rent the Runway putting drop-off boxes where customers can return their rented items in four Nordstrom locations in Los Angeles (an addition one has since been added).

Starting Nov. 18, the Rent the Runway drop-off-boxes network will expand to 29 Nordstrom locations. Members of the rental giant can also access exclusive Nordstrom services, including styling services, gift-wrapping and more. 

In addition, Nordstrom will become a Rent the Runway “platform partner,” which means it will incorporate Nordstrom inventory into its rental offerings.

Additionally, Nordstrom and Rent the Runway are studying opportunities to design exclusive product available for both purchase and rental.

“We’ve received great feedback from our customers about the convenience of the Rent the Runway Drop-Off Boxes in our Los Angeles area Nordstrom locations and are excited to offer the service to customers in cities like San Francisco, Chicago, Dallas and more,” said Jamie Nordstrom, president, Nordstrom stores. “The expansion of our partnership helps us better serve our customers through innovation around products and experiences.”