2019: The Year Of The Clothing Subscription - pymnts.com |
- 2019: The Year Of The Clothing Subscription - pymnts.com
- Organizations in need of clothing donations for vets - Norman Transcript
- Cornerstone nonprofit grew from small beginnings to full-service helping hand - The Dallas Morning News
- The Her Campaign gets new office space in Billings - KRTV Great Falls News
| 2019: The Year Of The Clothing Subscription - pymnts.com Posted: 30 Dec 2019 08:02 AM PST This year, eCommerce innovators welcomed consumers who wanted to rent — instead of own — their wardrobes, with clothing rental startups growing their reach through the help of new offerings and partnerships. And, in some cases, brick-and-mortar retailers brought these concepts to their own brands with original takes on clothing rental. In February, news surfaced that American Eagle Outfitters was experimenting with an American Eagle Style Drop subscription offering. Shoppers could have "unlimited access" to clothing per reports at the time. Consumers can look through selections that get refreshed weekly with the subscription. The selections are mailed at no cost to shoppers, who can use a free prepaid envelope to return an item. Shoppers can then send back their articles for cleaning, and they are returned to the customer without a fee. The Style Drop tells shoppers they need to pick eight items at a minimum to have a box sent to them, but the site recommends selecting at least 20 pieces. In March, news surfaced that Rent the Runway was teaming with West Elm to help customers rent home goods like throw pillows, linens and blankets. Customers could select from 26 bundles for the bedroom and/or the living room through the service. Rent the Runway CEO Jenn Hyman told Vox in March, "We see home goods as similar to your closet, where there are investment pieces along with design-based seasonal changes you are always wanting." Hyman continued, "I think that the customer today wants flexibility to decide when to invest and when to play." The 'Airbnb' of Clothing Rentals In 2019, some online marketplaces took a page out of the sharing economy playbook for clothing. HURR Collective Co-Founder and CEO Victoria Prew, in one case, watched the massive rise of the sharing economy model and believed fashion needed to be disrupted. Her company is "essentially Airbnb for fashion," Prew told PYMNTS in a March interview. "We want to be a peer-to-peer marketplace," she said, adding that she wants to make it easy and secure to share clothes. Then, in April, news surfaced that Rent the Runway planned to unveil a children's apparel collection on April 15. The clothing subscription company's new offering was to include girls' sizes from 3Y to 12Y at first. The firm was working with designers like Little Marc Jacobs, Stella McCartney, Fendi, LoveShackFancy Kids, and Milly Minis, among others with the program. In May, brick-and-mortar retailer Urban Outfitters was tapping into the clothing rental market to take advantage of one of fashion's fastest-growing areas. The company was launching a monthly service through a new business named Nuuly that let shoppers borrow six items from its brands, outside labels, and vintage pieces. Urban Outfitters Chief Digital Officer David Hayne said, according to The Wall Street Journal at the time, "We certainly don't think the customers are just going to stop purchasing." Hayne continued, "Purchases make sense for things you know you're going to use often; rental makes sense for things you would like to try." In August, Banana Republic unveiled its online subscription service named Style Passport to provide unlimited access to its collection of women's apparel. Shoppers will be able to rent Banana Republic fashions for a single monthly fee and have the ability to purchase and keep any product through the new offering. Banana Republic CEO and President Mark Breitbard said in an announcement at the time, "We're constantly evolving with our customer, meeting her where she is shopping. Style Passport will drive incremental revenue, and help us connect with younger shoppers who appreciate great style and want an affordable, sustainable way to try new fashion." An Acquisition and a Hurdle In 2019, a clothing subscription service also bought a brick-and-mortar retailer. News surfaced in August that Hudson's Bay Company (HBC) was selling Lord & Taylor for $100 million to Le Tote. HBC Chief Executive Helena Foulkes said in a statement at the time, "We're excited to have reached an agreement with Le Tote that creates a new model for Lord & Taylor, bringing together fashion rental subscriptions with traditional retail." But the year wasn't without friction for clothing subscription services. Rent the Runway froze its subscriptions in the fall and wasn't taking on new subscribers or event rentals until Oct. 15 at the soonest per reports on Sept. 29 as the clothing platform encountered multiple inventory and supply chain issues. Hyman sent subscribers an email that read per reports, "I'm reaching out to further update you on delays that some of you have experienced in receiving your orders over the last few weeks." Hyman continued, "The delays, which began Sept. 13, are due to unforeseen issues associated with a significant software transformation that we are executing in our fulfillment operation." Later, in December, news surfaced that Rent the Runway was teaming with Marriott's W Hotels brand to roll out a rental experience at the W South Beach, W Washington D.C., W Aspen and W Hollywood to offer its clothing rental service to travelers. The platform has been working with other firms like WeWork and Nordstrom to grow its reach. "This idea of being able to show up on vacation … and have the perfect clothing for what you want to wear, is pretty magical," Rent the Runway COO Maureen Sullivan said per reports. "The use case of being able to travel light and not have to [pack] … is such an obvious utility for us." And, also in December, H&M said its COS brand has collaborated with the YCloset, the Chinese subscription rental platform, to test clothing rentals. The world's second-largest fashion group follows in the footsteps of other fashion industry players like Banana Republic of Gap Inc. and Bloomingdale's that are lending their attire for a monthly rate. From brick-and-mortar retailers to eCommerce startups, digital innovators rolled out new services and partnerships to allow consumers to think beyond their own wardrobes when choosing attire for a special event or everyday wear.   |
| Organizations in need of clothing donations for vets - Norman Transcript Posted: 30 Dec 2019 04:00 AM PST  Two nonprofits are in need of new clothes donations for the Norman Veterans Center's 300 residents. The Norman chapters of the Order of the Eastern Star and Women of the Moose have partnered to offer a clothes closet at the local veterans center, 1776 E. Robinson St. "It's a really wonderful service," said Grettie Bondy, who is a member of both groups. Bondy, who is chairwoman of the clothes closet, said the charity project has been around for two years. Previously, the closet was stocked with gently used clothing items, but recent health concerns prompted the center to only allow new items with tags intact or in original packaging. As a result, the gently used clothes were donated to the city's homeless population through other nonprofit efforts, Bondy said, leaving the closet with a low supply. Last year, Bondy said the organizations helped supply about 100 outfits to veterans. Jeannene Wade, Norman Veterans Center programs administrator of recreation, said needs include all sizes from medium to 5XL and above in men's and women's clothing. She said the closet could always use big sizes. Clothing items most needed include sweatpants, jeans, underwear, sweatshirts, T-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, cardigan sweaters, jackets, coats, caps, scarves, gloves and belts. Wade said the center recently received a large stock of socks and slippers, so those clothing items aren't needed at this time. Bondy said the closet, operated by the Order of the Eastern Star, is open to veterans from 10 to 11:30 a.m. the last Monday of every month, and all items are free. However, if veterans have a need for new clothing in between service dates, a social worker on staff has a key and can let residents in to pick out new items. In addition, the Women of the Moose hosts Mending Mamas from 1:30 to 3 p.m. the last Monday of every month at the center. The four-year-old program features members mending veterans' clothes while music and popcorn is offered. If a clothing item is beyond mending, then veterans can select a new item from the closet. Wade said the Mending Mamas usually attracts a group of male veterans that like to sit and talk to the group members and watch them sew. She said is brings back memories for many of them and provides a social outlet. Bondy said she has always been a huge supporter of those in the military, and her husband is a Navy veteran. Some time after she began volunteering at the Norman Veterans Center, her husband was diagnosed with dementia and became a resident there. She said many veterans come to the center and have nobody living nearby who can help care for them. Also, they may have mobility issues that keep them from getting out and going shopping. Bondy said the clothing closet fills that need for them and provides them with clothes that make them feel dignified, all without having to leave the center. Years prior to the clothes closet opening, an American Legion post leader told Bondy that some of the clothing veterans at the center owned were in terrible condition and suggested the closet idea. "It just kind of took off from there," she said. Bondy said she has seen residents weep after receiving clothes from the closet. "It's wonderful. It's like going to a Christmas store and taking what you want," Wade said. "They can come and get warm, pretty clothes." Wade said residents from ages 35 to 101 live at the center, and 16 of them are women. She said the women are like princesses and queens in the center and are competitive about the clothes closet. "It's really good for those in need. It's a wonderful addition to the facility. We try to provide what they need," she said. Wade commended the two groups for their work at the facility. "Grettie and her groups do a wonderful job. They go above and beyond," she said. "It's a blessing to make someone else happy. It's a blessing to us to have the ability to provide for them." Bondy said people should donate to the closet because it's important to remember and take care of veterans. "They feel good when they have new clothes, and we want them to have new clothes. It's our desire to help and show appreciation for them, and this is one way we can do that," she said. To make a cash donation, make a check payable to OES Norman Chapter No. 41, with a "VA Clothes Closet" notation, and mail it to Grettie Bondy, 424 Baron Drive, Norman OK 73071. For clothing donations, call Bondy at 447-8818 or email gbondy@ou.edu or GrettieBondy@alumni.ou.edu for pick-up arrangements. OES is a non-profit organization, so donations may be tax-deductible.  |
| Posted: 30 Dec 2019 04:03 AM PST Ron Guillory has been a part of Cornerstone Community Development Corp.'s outreach for more than a decade — first as a client and then as a volunteer. "It was rough. Really, really rough," Guillory said. "I was sleeping in vacant houses, in fields, on the sidewalk in front of the Dallas Public Library. Now clean and sober for years, Guillory is one of the more than 2,000 volunteers who make up the lifeblood of what Cornerstone does. "We served 2,300 meals at Thanksgiving," said Pastor Chris Simmons, Cornerstone's executive director. "We couldn't have done any of that without our volunteers." This year, Cornerstone is one of 23 nonprofits selected to receive contributions through The Dallas Morning News Charities campaign, which raises money for the homeless, hungry and unemployed in North Texas. The holiday drive launched Nov. 14 and will continue through Jan. 31, with a goal of raising $1.5 million. As of Friday , the campaign had raised just over $952,000 from 857 donors. Cornerstone, which is in its first year in the Charities program, grew out of Cornerstone Baptist Church in Dallas and has a 25-year history. The nonprofit began with modest aspirations, serving meals to the area's homeless and poor. But the agency's leaders quickly realized more was needed. Now, Cornerstone has a clothes closet right next to a massive warehouse that hosts weekly meals on Ervay Street. "We would get piles of clothes that were good, but dirty," Simmons said. "Then we realized we would need a laundromat." Next door at an abandoned apartment complex sits a free medical and dental clinic that's open on Wednesdays, and part of the clothes closet houses a shower facility. "There is just a huge need," Simmons said. "There are very few places if you're homeless on the street where you can go to get cleaned up." Students from the Louise Herrington School of Nursing at Baylor University are a constant presence, conducting regular blood pressure checks and foot checks, as well as helping out in the clothes closet and during meals. /arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-dmn.s3.amazonaws.com/public/WZQVFFOFAVBPDAPHGT5ACE2B6A.JPG) In an effort to get ahead of issues that lead to poverty, Cornerstone opened an on-site school for at-risk children who must perform 100 hours of community service. "We just want to build a relationship," Simmons said. On a recent visit, lines for the clothes closet were out the door. Inside, aisles were crowded with volunteers and clients looking for women's clothing on one side and men's clothing on the other. "You need a tie with your suit, sir?" one volunteer asked a client who had just found a suit for his cousin's funeral. /arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-dmn.s3.amazonaws.com/public/FJHUPOT5Y5BBZEIHITOLOHYGFI.JPG) About 80% of Cornerstone's clients are men, Simmons said, but women tend to donate most of the clothes. "Our greatest need is men's clothing. Some items are very difficult to get donated," Simmons said, referring to new jeans, new underwear, coats and blankets in bulk. "We are serving about 1,200 individuals a month." Next door, another long line forms for lunch. Dozens of rows of tables quickly fill up with some 200 or more who are served a meal of goulash, salad, green beans, rolls and dessert provided by Valley Ranch Baptist Church. "We want to make sure everybody gets served and everybody gets served fairly," said Linda Lee of Rowlett, Cornerstone's food program coordinator who started volunteering the day she was laid off from her job nearly 10 years ago. "Sometimes we can give out seconds, and sometimes we can't, but no one ever leaves without a meal." Cornerstone client-turned-volunteer Queen Williams no longer drinks or uses drugs and hasn't had a cigarette in more than a decade, she said. But like Guillory, she sees plenty of familiar faces at Cornerstone who are still dealing with addiction and other issues. "I still see people here I got high with every day. That's on them," she said. "You have to want it." Williams became a client 21 years ago when Simmons found her smoking crack. "I used to get high behind the old church in the alley," she said. "Then I came here, and in Jesus' name I've been clean ever since." Not everyone who uses Cornerstone's services is homeless, volunteer Mike Williamson said. "They just have needs," said Williamson, a retired pilot with CareFlite. "We don't ask, and we don't judge." 2019-20 The Dallas Morning News Charities recipients Allen Community Outreach Emergency assistance with rent, utilities, food and clothing for families in Allen, Fairview and Lucas. Financial literacy and GED classes are also offered. Arlington Life Shelter Emergency food and shelter, employment assistance and family counseling for homeless men, women and children in eastern Tarrant County. Austin Street Center Food, shelter, medical, psychiatric and psychological treatment, and substance abuse counseling for the homeless. The Bridge Emergency and transitional shelter, supportive housing services, meals, primary and behavioral health care services, job search and educational services for the homeless. Brother Bill's Helping Hand Food, clothing and medical assistance for families in West Dallas. Job training, parenting, healthy living and ESL classes are also offered. Cedar Hill Shares Provides food, clothing, utility assistance and school supplies to needy families in Cedar Hill. City House Provides homeless children and young adults with emergency shelter and transitional residential services. Operates an emergency youth shelter for children ages newborn to 17 and transitional living program for 18-to 21-year-olds. Cornerstone Community Development Programs for the homeless including shower facilities, a clothes closet, health and dental clinics, and meals in the Community Kitchen. They also manage transitional housing for formerly incarcerated men and a home and services for pregnant teenagers. www.cornerstonedallas.org/our-ministries/ Crossroads Community Services Food, nutrition, clothing and life skills education. Dallas Life Foundation Emergency short-term and long-term shelter for homeless men, women and children. Employment training, medical and dental services are also provided. Duncanville Outreach Ministry Food, clothing and financial assistance with rent, utilities and prescription medication for residents of Duncanville. www.duncanvilleoutreachministry.com Family Gateway Shelter and supportive housing programs for children and families affected by homelessness with wrap-around services including case management, adult and children's services, and an education program. Frisco Family Services Food, clothing and financial assistance with rent/mortgages, utilities and prescription drugs for families living in Frisco or Frisco ISD. Adult life skills workshops are also offered. Harmony Community Development Harmony provides greater access to resources such as a client-choice food pantry, social services such as extensive counseling, addiction and trauma recovery, and legal resources and employment assistance. LifeLine for Families Financial assistance for families who are homeless or on the verge of homelessness in Grand Prairie ISD. Life skills training is also provided. Mission Oak Cliff A drop-in center for the homeless that includes daily lunches, showers, a clothing closet, client-choice pantry and hygiene, as well as access to counseling and advocacy services and classes such as ESL, nutrition and citizenship. Network of Community Ministries Food, clothing and financial assistance for rent and utilities, as well as a children's clinic and comprehensive seniors net program for those 60 and older. North Texas Food Bank – Food 4 Kids Provides weekend food assistance for elementary school children at risk of being chronically hungry. OurCalling Faith-based organization that serves the unsheltered homeless in Dallas. Food, showers, clothing and resources. Our Daily Bread Noon day meals, weekend snack pack program, bus passes, counseling, personal care items, limited health screening and referrals, phone answering service and mailing address for homeless in Denton County. Promise House Shelter, food, clothing, counseling, educational services and transitional housing for homeless, runaway and at-risk teens. Sharing Life Community Outreach Food, clothing and financial assistance for rent and utilities, educational programs and job skills training for low-income residents in southeastern Dallas County. The Stewpot Urgent and long-term assistance for the homeless and at-risk families, meals, ID documentation, job assistance, inner-city youth programs, representative payee program, and dental, medical and mental health services. To donate or to learn more: Visit dmncharities.com. Tax-deductible contributions can be mailed to The Dallas Morning News Charities, 5500 Caruth Haven Lane, Dallas, TX, 75225.  |
| The Her Campaign gets new office space in Billings - KRTV Great Falls News Posted: 29 Dec 2019 10:10 AM PST BILLINGS — The Her Campaign needs 10-15 volunteers to paint their new office space in Billings. Painting began at 9 a.m. on Friday and continue until 7 p.m. Saturday. The space is located at Josephine Crossing, in Billings and will be shared with Salt and Sage Web Studio and Hope of Africa. Built in 2005, the McCall Homes office space was a perfect fit for the nonprofit to expand their organization, nonprofit leaders said. "The office space will be used for indirect care, fundraising events, and raising awareness to make our community aware of what human trafficking is. As we grow, we really need meeting spaces outside of the Her Refuge because that is a secure environment so we really need that," Anjali Smith, development director of the Her Campaign, said. Smith has been with the Her Campaign since 2016 helping to provide holistic restoration for victims of sexual exploitation. She fell in love with the work that they continue to do for women around Billings.  When asked why she joined, Smith said, "When you hear the stories of the girls that come in and how their lives have changed, it's impossible to not want to help. I love the women I work with. We provide hope for girls that have come out of seemingly hopeless situations." The Her Campaign is just getting started on growing its organization. In November, they partnered with a group from MSU Billings to launch a women's winter clothing drive. The nonprofit was able to get two truckloads of women's clothing donated to the refuge home. Although, the group is covered on clothing, but it still needs more. The Her Campaign is always looking for donations of feminine products and toiletries, as well as volunteers who are looking to make a difference in the lives of Billings women. The local nonprofit has also partnered with Salvation Army to launch a new Hope Line, a non-emergency crisis line for women facing sexual exploitation of any kind. "The Hope Line provides a listening ear and resources for women who want to go further into seeking help after facing sexual trauma," Sammy Higgs, co-founder of the Her Campaign said. And the organization has even more in store for the new year. To stay up to date on what's new with the Her Campaign, visit the website . To volunteer or donate, visit the Facebook page to sign up.  |
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