The Japanese department store operator, J.Front, will offer a new monthly rental option featuring high-end women’s apparel from local and international brands.
The launch of the rental service aims to recover J.Front’s customer base since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic which caused significant loss to the retailer’s sales. The service is expected to draw around 30,000 customers, generating more than $56M within the next five years.
Managed by Daimaru Matsuzakaya Department Stores, the new service will initially consist of around 50 labels including Japan’s Epoca, Adopre to Marni of Italy and France’s See By Chloe. The monthly subscription service allows customers to rent up to three high-end fashion pieces and have them delivered to their door.
Japan’s retail industry has seen an influx of subscription services as consumers continue to become more conscious about product waste. According to Yano Research Institute, the domestic market for subscription services is expected to exceed more than $11bn by the year ending March 2025.
