Professional Documents
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Jury SCM
Jury SCM
Jury SCM
CHAPTER -1
INTRODUCTION
Circular Supply Chain Management (CSCM) is a concept that integrates the principles of the
circular economy into supply chain practices. Unlike the traditional linear model of "take, make,
and dispose," which generates considerable waste and depletes resources, CSCM aims to create a
closed-loop system where resources are reused, recycled, and regenerated to minimize waste and
maximize efficiency.
The core idea behind CSCM is to keep products, components, and materials in use for as long as
possible and to recover and regenerate them at the end of their life cycle. This involves not only
reducing waste but also designing products and supply chain processes with circularity in mind.
By doing so, CSCM promotes environmental sustainability, economic efficiency, and social
responsibility throughout the supply chain.
● Reverse Logistics: Reverse logistics plays a pivotal role in circular supply chains,
facilitating the collection, refurbishment, and repurposing of used products and materials.
This process involves retrieving end-of-life products, such as electronic devices or
packaging, and either repairing them for reuse or disassembling them for recycling. By
incorporating reverse logistics into their operations, companies can close the loop of
resource circulation, ensuring that valuable materials are retained within the supply chain
for as long as possible.
● Cost Savings: One of the significant advantages of circular supply chains is their ability
to generate cost savings for businesses. By reusing materials and components, companies
can reduce their reliance on expensive new resources, leading to lower procurement
costs. Moreover, circular supply chains minimize expenditures associated with waste
disposal and environmental remediation, further enhancing financial efficiency. Over
time, the cumulative savings realized through circular practices can significantly improve
a company's bottom line and enhance its competitiveness in the marketplace.
Rent An Attire is an online fashion rental platform to rent designer wear, bridal wear, ethnic
wear, western wear and Sherwani collection for men and women. The collection includes
Lehenga, gowns, Indo western dresses, and Sherwani. It was founded in the year 2015. Rent An
Attire also has offline fashion rental stores with locations in Pune and Dehradun. It is a
pioneering fashion tech company revolutionizing the way luxury fashion was perceived. Rent An
Attire serves in the B2C space in the Retail market segments. The founder of Rent An Attire,
Laveena Laitonjam aims to exponentially grow their brands and provide fashion with purpose.
At Rent An Attire, they offer a distinguished blend of opulence and sustainability, providing
access to luxurious designer wear through our innovative rental services.
Founded on the principles of circular economy and technological advancement, Rent An Attire
operates as an omnichannel platform, integrating physical experiences at esteemed locations in
Pune and Dehradun with the convenience of online rentals through their website,
www.rentanattire.com. Customers can select a style from the collection, book it for 3, 5, 7, or 10
days, and have it altered to their size and dry cleaned before delivery. After the occasion,
customers can pack the outfit and Rent An Attire will pick it up. Rent An Attire also allows
customers to earn money from their closets by listing designer lehengas, bridal lehengas, gowns,
sherwanis, suits, and blazers on the website.
Rent An Attire also offers a Revenue Share Agreement, which allows customers to earn a
percentage of the rental price for their outfit when it's rented out. The percentage is based on the
outfit's age, quality, and design. Customers retain ownership of their garment and don't have to
worry about laundry or maintenance. The brand's curated selection includes designer ensembles
from renowned brands like Sabyasachi, Seema Gujral, Dolly J, Lalit Dalmia, Kalki, and Kora,
available at a fraction of their market prices. By opting for rental over purchase, customers not
only save money but also contribute to reducing the fashion industry's carbon footprint. Rent An
Attire showcases a diverse range of ethnic wear, western wear, and Indo-western designer outfits,
catering to various occasions sustainably. The company has not raised any funding rounds yet
and does not have any institutional or angel investors. Central to their ethos is the commitment to
reducing textile waste and promoting sustainable fashion practices. By embracing a circular
economy model, they extend the life cycle of designer garments, minimizing environmental
impact while maximizing accessibility and affordability for their discerning clientele.
Talking about the categories under Rent An Attire, they give their customers the opportunity to
Browse through their dreamy catalog and to enrobe their wishes. Details of each category are
mentioned below –
Upon identifying the outfit that resonates with their individual style sensibilities, clients proceed
to secure their reservation. The booking process is engineered for convenience and flexibility,
accommodating reservations for durations spanning 3, 5, 7, or 10 days. To confirm their
reservation, clients are required to submit a 100% advance payment of the rental fee. The fee
includes the rent and a security deposit which also depends on the rental amount.The rent amount
differs per the number of days the garment is rented for. This ensures the exclusive reservation of
the selected outfit, with alterations tailored to the client's measurements and meticulous dry
cleaning performed to uphold pristine condition.
Ensuring utmost convenience, clients are presented with multiple options for receiving their
reserved outfit. They may opt to personally collect their ensemble from the designated store
location, where dedicated staff provide attentive assistance throughout. Alternatively, clients may
choose the convenience of doorstep delivery, with the outfit scheduled to arrive at the specified
location one day prior to the event. Regardless of the chosen delivery method, clients can trust in
the seamlessness and reliability of the process, allowing them to focus on event preparations
without added stress.
Following the event, clients initiate the return process. The return process is meticulously
designed to ensure utmost efficiency and ease for clients. Simply adhering to provided
instructions, clients pack the outfit for return, confident that the dedicated team will handle the
rest. Whether opting for the convenience of pick-up service or choosing to return the outfit
personally to the designated store location, clients can rest assured that their return will be
managed with the same level of care and attention as their initial reservation. Any delay in
returning the outfit will result in charging extra fees accordingly.
Literature Review
Batista et al., (2018) defined Circular Supply Chain Management as: “the coordinated forward
and reverse supply chains via purposeful business ecosystem integration for value creation from
products/ services, by-products and useful waste flows through prolonged life cycles that
improve the economic, social and environmental sustainability of organizations”. A circular
supply chain involves the reduction of raw materials by providing substitutes that are
long-lasting, upgradable, made with renewable energy sources (RES), recyclable, and upcyclable
as stated by Maranesi & De Giovanni (2020). Upcycle of materials means that the materials
should not lose their quality after the recycling processes. Whereas, Maranesi and Giovanni
(2020) were not against low-value recycling (down-cycle) Kopnina (2018) argues that based on
the cradle-to-cradle approach downcycle should be avoided. Author's view on the circular supply
chain is heavily impacted on the theories related to the circular economy supply chain.
Ogunmakinde, Sher, and Egbelakin (2021) identified main theories, concepts, and methods
that affect the circular supply chain: industrial ecology, cradle to cradle, regenerative design,
natural capitalism, biomimicry, blue economy, eco-efficiency, eco-effectiveness, reverse
logistics, zero emissions, performance economy, permaculture, extended producer responsibility,
and material passport. The core connection is that all the topics are related to environmental
protection.
Müller, M. (2008) in his paper “A literature review to a conceptual framework for sustainable
supply chain management.” states in general terms, a CSC seeks to achieve zero waste through
collaboration between the producer’s supply chain and secondary chains, thanks to which a
company can easily restore and regenerate its primary resources. Moreover, following the
fundamentals of industrial symbiosis, a real cross-chain and cross-sector collaboration can be
achieved. Stakeholders can realize several benefits with a CSC, which are outcomes obtained
when collaborating, negotiating, and sharing the risks and resources with long term perspectives.
In another study titled “What is a circular supply chain” by Jackley (2023), circular supply
chain is defined as “A circular supply chain is one that uses materials and goods as long as
possible, instead of letting them go immediately to waste. In a circular supply chain,
manufacturers reuse raw materials such as plastic, metal, cardboard, paper, steel, and glass. They
refurbish and resell previously owned goods. They and their retailers rent products instead of
selling them. And they choose recycled pallets and other green storage and packaging solutions.
As in all supply chains, materials and finished goods make their way from suppliers to
manufacturers, retailers, and consumers”. In a circular supply chain, manufacturers think green
every step of the way. They use recyclable materials when designing products and packaging.
They ensure that products are easy to disassemble and return for repair. They collaborate with
stakeholders—retailers, local governments, and green nonprofit groups—to educate consumers
on proper waste disposal, making it easier to collect and recycle various materials.
Swapnil Lahane and Ravi Shankar (2020), in the paper titled “Circular supply chain
management: A state-of-art review and future opportunities”, mentioned Circular Supply Chain
Management as an emerging research topic in recent years. It has great potential to improve the
efficiency of manufacturing organizations in terms of the three dimensions of sustainability. It is
an alternative solution to the linear supply chain model (take, make, consume and dispose) of
production. The implementation of CSCM enhances the effectiveness of supply chain operations.
According to Bodenheimer et al. (2022) paper titled "Drivers and barriers to fashion rental for
everyday garments: an empirical analysis of a former fashion-rental company," the rental fashion
market for everyday wear is a realm fraught with both drivers and barriers from the consumer
perspective. Sustainability emerges as a significant driver, reflecting the appeal of
environmentally conscious choices, while formidable barriers such as hygiene and health
concerns, perceived value, and trust in rental service providers hinder widespread adoption.
Consumers express apprehensions regarding cleanliness, question the cost-effectiveness of
renting compared to ownership, and harbor reservations about the reliability and quality of rental
offerings. Addressing these concerns through transparency and quality assurance is paramount
for rental businesses to enhance their appeal and contribute to fostering a more sustainable
fashion industry.
Sczyka (2020) presents a thorough examination of rental fashion business models, focusing on
consumer perspectives within their paper titled "Circular Business Models in the Fashion
Industry: A Consumer Perspective on Renting Everyday Clothes." The analysis delves into the
potential advantages and obstacles inherent in this emerging trend. By framing rental fashion
within sustainability frameworks, the study highlights its capacity to address environmental
concerns prevalent in the fashion sector. Furthermore, it explores consumer motivations for
embracing rental fashion, from financial savings to environmental consciousness, while
acknowledging challenges such as hygiene and logistical complexities. The study underscores
the necessity for further research to optimize sustainability outcomes and surmount barriers to
adoption, offering valuable insights for industry stakeholders.
Noe and Hyun's (2020) study, "Fashion Renting: An Exploratory Study of User and Non-User
Behaviors," investigates motivations and barriers among users and non-users of fashion rental
(FR) services. Through focus group interviews, they uncover distinct factors driving engagement
with FR, such as cost savings and convenience, while non-users are deterred by concerns like
additional fees and lack of ownership. Surprisingly, hygiene issues are less prominent,
particularly among younger participants. The study also highlights social and emotional
perceptions of FR users, offering insights for tailored marketing strategies and industry
initiatives.
In the article "‘It’s more sustainable – and I still get to wear something new every weekend’: how
rental fashion became big business" by The Guardian (2022), the mainstream adoption of rental
fashion is explored. Formerly confined to special occasions, rental fashion is now accessible to
everyday consumers, with brands like H&M and M&S incorporating rental sections into their
stores. Celebrities are endorsing rental fashion, and platforms like Hurr and By Rotation are
prominent in the market. The article discusses the financial and environmental benefits of
clothing rental, suggesting its potential to reshape consumer behavior and the retail landscape.
In the study "In India, Clothing Rentals Too Have Their Seasons" by Texfash (2023), Flyrobe's
emergence as India's leading fashion rental brand is highlighted, tracing its journey from
inception to dominance in the rental market. Founded in 2016, the company initially faced
hurdles in changing Indian consumer attitudes toward rentals but ultimately succeeded by
capitalizing on the country's burgeoning traditional wear market, especially during wedding
seasons. Despite challenges in setting up operations and altering consumer habits, Flyrobe's
omni-channel approach and acquisition of Rent it Bae in 2019 propelled its growth. The case
study underscores the significance of inventory management and the company's transition to an
online and offline model to cater to diverse consumer preferences. Throughout its evolution,
Flyrobe remained committed to sustainability and affordability, aligning with millennials'
inclination toward shared economy practices.
The article "What’s driving the fashion rental market in India" by India Retailing (2023)
highlights the rapid expansion of the fashion rental industry in the country, driven by factors such
as the rise of social media, escalating clothing costs, and a growing emphasis on sustainability.
Entrepreneurs like Deepa Kalro, founder of The Dress Bank, have capitalized on this trend,
transforming unused ethnic garments into thriving rental businesses. Despite challenges such as
garment maintenance and hygiene concerns, entrepreneurs like Chetan Jiwani of Rent N Wear
remain optimistic, citing the affordability and accessibility of rental fashion. With the younger
generation prioritizing newness and sustainability, the rental fashion market is expected to
continue its robust growth, with companies like Rent It Bae acquiring businesses like Flyrobe,
shaping the evolving landscape of Indian fashion rental.
According to Lai and Chiu (2018) in their paper “Supply Chain Strategic Fit: Two
Fashion-Renting Cases”, Fashion companies can gain a competitive edge by leveraging supply
chain strategic fit. This involves aligning supply chain strategies with customer demand,
reducing lead times, improving cost efficiency, embracing sustainable practices, and fostering
collaborative relationships. By being responsive to market trends, reducing production lead
times, cutting costs, promoting sustainability, and building strong partnerships, fashion
companies can enhance their market position, attract eco-conscious consumers, and drive growth
in a competitive industry. Supply chain strategic fit enables companies to stay ahead of
competitors, meet customer expectations, and create unique value propositions in the dynamic
fashion market.
The paper “Sustainable Rent-Based Closed-Loop Supply Chain for Fashion Products” by Hua
Hu, Chen, et. al. (2014) explores the implementation of a rent-based closed-loop supply chain
for fashion products to enhance sustainability. Key takeaways include the use of human-clothing
matching methods for customization, multi-size fitting measures for efficient allocation, and
decision-making models for accurate size matching. Sustainability is promoted through tax
breaks, product service system theory, and consumer behavior analysis. The industry's green
practices, energy-saving guidelines, and fast redistribution strategies are highlighted. The study
emphasizes the importance of systematic procedures, logistical efficiency, and collaborative
efforts in achieving sustainable fashion production and consumption.
Feng, Tan, et. al. (2020) in their paper “Strategies analysis of luxury fashion rental platform in
sharing economy” have developed a stylized model where a business-to-consumer product
sharing on luxury fashion brands is checked and it is found that the presence of a rental platform
leads to two simultaneous effects: a market expansion effect and a cannibalization effect. In the
base model, they have shown that the market expansion effect dominates the cannibalization
effect. Therefore, the designer brand firm can benefit from the appearance of a rental platform.
Further, their analysis reveals that the optimal choice between the wholesale and agency contract
of the firm and the platform depends critically on two parameters: the revenue-sharing
proportion and salvage value.
Research Methodology
3.2 Objectives
1. To analyze the circular supply chain of Rent an Attire and delineate the roles and
interactions of the stakeholders involved in this chain.
2. To identify and examine the existing loopholes within the supply chain framework that
may be impeding the efficiency or effectiveness of Rent an Attire's operations.
3. To propose actionable improvements and optimizations aimed at enhancing the fluidity
and functionality of Rent an Attire's supply chain.
The unit of analysis for the purpose of this study are the one stores in Pune, one in Dehradun and
the official website of Rent An Attire.
Data Analysis and Findings
The fashion industry faces growing scrutiny for its environmental impact. Overproduction,
textile waste, and resource-intensive production processes contribute significantly to
environmental degradation [1]. A potential solution lies in circular fashion models that extend
the life cycle of clothing and reduce reliance on virgin materials. This paper examines the
circular fashion supply chain model employed by Rent an Attire, a fashion rental service
operating in India.
Designer Partnership: The company collaborates with designers by offering a platform to rent
out premium and occasion wear. This partnership involves a contract for at least 5 outfits from
the designers. This includes:
The process of forming the partnership and the payments are as follows:
1. Contact Designers: A dedicated team does a research on the designers and arranges a
meeting with them to talk about the partnership and explain all the details
2. Selection of Garments: Once the designers come on board, they share the images of the
collection they are willing to put up on rent under the partnership. The team selects
garments from the sent images after looking at the condition of the garment. Any changes
that would enhance the outfit is asked to be made before sending the outfits.
3. Agreement & Revenue Sharing: Once a garment passes verification, Rent an Attire
enters into a one-year contract with the garment owner which can be renewed at the end
of the term. The company employs a transparent revenue-sharing model:
a. Rental Fee Calculation: Rent an Attire charges customers a rental fee based on the
garment's value and chosen rental duration (3, 5, 7, or 10 days).
b. Revenue Distribution: 40% of the rental income goes directly to the garment
owner, incentivizing participation in the circular model.This amount is paid on a
quarterly basis looking at the total rent over the quarter. The remaining 60%
covers operational costs, platform maintenance, and marketing expenses.
4. Communication & Transparency: Rent an Attire fosters a sense of ownership among
garment owners within the circular system by providing clear communication:
a. Rental Notifications: Every time their outfit is rented out, which can be accessed
by the peers of the garments , keeping them in touch with the garment usage and
rental performance. The portal showed the days that the garment is rented for, the
amount at which it is rented out, dry cleanings charges, etc.
b. Performance Tracking: This level of transparency allows garment owners to track
the performance of their garment within the rental platform, potentially enabling
them to adjust their listing strategy in the future.
Apart from professional designers, Rent an Attire offers an opportunity for individuals to
participate in the sustainability movement by listing their outfits on the website for rental
purposes. This initiative enables ordinary people to earn income each time their outfit is rented
out, thereby fostering greater engagement in sustainable fashion practices. Beyond financial
benefits, contributors enjoy the advantage of saving storage space at home, as Rent an Attire
assumes responsibility for the maintenance of the outfits, including dry-cleaning and alterations
as needed.
Fig: Interface of registering for “Earn Through Us”
Source: https://www.rentanattire.com/earn-through-us
This process is called “Earn Through Us” and it involves the following steps:
1. Garment Listing: Individuals who own high-value garments (minimum value of INR
30,000) can participate in the circular fashion economy by listing their outfits on the Rent
an Attire platform.
2. Garment Verification: To ensure a curated and high-quality rental experience for
customers, Rent an Attire verifies the following aspects of each listed garment:
○ Authenticity: The company verifies the garment's authenticity to guarantee
genuine designer wear.
○ Condition: The garment's condition is thoroughly inspected to ensure it meets
quality standards and is suitable for rental.
○ Minimum Value: Rent an Attire upholds a minimum value threshold (INR 30,000)
to maintain a platform focused on premium occasion wear.
3. Understanding Consumer Response: The outfits if approved are asked to send at the
nearest store and displayed for the week to assess the consumer response. Based on the
responses, the decision to keep or return the garment is made.
4. Agreement & Revenue Sharing: Once a garment passes verification, Rent an Attire
enters into a one-year contract with the garment owner which can be renewed at the end
of the term. The company employs a transparent revenue-sharing model:
○ Rental Fee Calculation: Rent an Attire charges customers a rental fee based on the
garment's value and chosen rental duration (3, 5, 7, or 10 days).
○ Revenue Distribution: 40% of the rental income goes directly to the garment
owner, incentivizing participation in the circular model.This amount is paid on a
quarterly basis looking at the total rent over the quarter. The remaining 60%
covers operational costs, platform maintenance, and marketing expenses.
5. Communication & Transparency: Rent an Attire fosters a sense of ownership among
garment owners within the circular system by providing clear communication:
○ Rental Notifications: Every time their outfit is rented out, it is updated on a portal
which can be accessed by the peers of the garments , keeping them in touch with
the garment usage and rental performance. The portal showed the days that the
garment is rented for, the amount at which it is rented out, dry cleanings charges,
etc.
○ Performance Tracking: This level of transparency allows garment owners to track
the performance of their garment within the rental platform, potentially enabling
them to adjust their listing strategy in the future.
Rent an Attire's circular fashion supply chain can be divided into distinct stages:
● Acquisition:
○ Designer Collaboration: The company sources garments through agreements
with designers. This can involve acquiring unsold inventory from past seasons or
collaborating on rental-specific collections.
○ Peer-to-Peer Listings: Individuals list their high-value garments on the platform
for potential renters. Rent an Attire verifies the garment's authenticity, condition,
and minimum value (INR 30,000) before listing it.
For designers and peers located in the same city as the RAA store, a convenient pick-up
arrangement is facilitated, with one of our designated design teams conducting a personal
inspection of the garments prior to their transfer to the store. However, for contributors
based in other cities, the responsibility of arranging garment delivery to the store falls
upon the contractual sender. In instances where the outfit fails to meet quality standards
or exhibits appearance issues upon inspection, RAA initiates a return delivery process to
ensure adherence to our quality assurance protocols.
● Inventory Management:
○ Storage & Maintenance: All listed garments are stored in Rent an Attire's stores
located in Pune and Dehradun. The company ensures proper storage conditions
and professional garment care, including dry cleaning and minor repairs. After
every use, the clothes are sent for dry-cleaning and then brought back to the store.
Accordinging to the next booking, the alterations and finishing is done keeping
the garment ready for dispatch.
○ Customization: Rent an Attire offers complimentary size alterations and minor
customization options (e.g., detachable sleeves) to ensure a good fit for renters. A
mix and match of the outfit can also be made as per the consumers wish.
Complementary jewellery and clutches are also available on rent which completes
the fit.
Rent An Attire operates with a dedicated team that liaises with designers to ensure a seamless
integration of their collections into the rental model. The process begins with comprehensive
discussions outlining Rent An Attire's operational framework, emphasizing the rental model's
benefits for both designers and customers. Once the terms are agreed upon, a contractual
agreement is established, detailing aspects such as revenue sharing and collection arrangements.
Each designer's creations are carefully curated and displayed in the store, ensuring a diverse and
captivating selection for customers. To enhance accessibility, Rent An Attire's website features a
user-friendly interface, allowing customers to sort through collections based on their favorite
designers. Currently, Rent An Attire collaborates with renowned designers such as Gurleen
Arora, Janhavi and Satya, LDS, Mewar, Shubharambh, Suyogyaa, and TLFC, enriching its
offerings with a blend of creativity and style.
Peers:
Rent An Attire thrives on a collaborative model, sourcing a significant portion of its collection
from individuals eager to share their wardrobe and earn rental revenue. Through a dedicated
portal, these contributors gain insight into the performance of their outfits, tracking metrics such
as rental frequency and pricing. This transparency fosters a mutually beneficial relationship,
empowering contributors to optimize their listings and maximize their earnings within Rent An
Attire's ecosystem.
Dry-Cleaners:
Ensuring impeccable hygiene and maintenance, Rent An Attire partners with reputable local dry
cleaners for post-rental care. Collaborators such as Smart Laundry in Pune and Dolphin Dry
Cleaners in Dehradun efficiently handle the cleaning process, with garments typically
undergoing a thorough dry-cleaning cycle lasting 3-4 days, especially for heavier fabrics.
Payment to these service providers is processed monthly, with meticulous records maintained
within the inventory portal, allowing both Rent An Attire and garment owners to monitor
cleaning expenses and frequency.
Logistics:
Streamlining its distribution network, Rent An Attire relies on two trusted logistics partner,
DTDC and Blue Dart, for seamless pick-up and delivery services nationwide. With extensive
reach and reliability, DTDC and Blue Dart ensure prompt and efficient handling of orders. In
instances where time-sensitive deliveries pose challenges, Rent An Attire may opt for alternative
courier services. Payments to logistics partners are disbursed monthly, reflecting Rent An Attire's
commitment to timely and transparent transactions.
Tailor:
Local tailoring services play a crucial role in Rent An Attire's operations, ensuring each garment
fits impeccably through meticulous alterations. Collaborating with nearby tailors, Rent An Attire
facilitates seamless adjustments, enhancing customer satisfaction and wearability. Payments to
these tailors are processed on a monthly basis, underscoring Rent An Attire's commitment to
nurturing local partnerships and supporting skilled artisans.
Website Developer:
Rent An Attire's digital presence is meticulously crafted to facilitate dynamic updates and
promotions, empowering the in-house team to manage website content effortlessly. With access
granted to the founder and marketing team, new offerings and promotions can be swiftly
integrated into the platform, enhancing user engagement and driving business growth. This agile
approach eliminates the need for external technical support, streamlining operations and
fostering adaptability in response to market trends.
Source: https://www.rentanattire.com/
Inventory Management Portal:
Central to Rent An Attire's operational efficiency is its customized inventory management portal,
meticulously designed to track each garment's lifecycle. Through manual entry of inventory
details, including photographs and specifications, the portal assigns unique product IDs,
facilitating seamless tracking and management. While daily monitoring and reminders are
essential for operational oversight, garment owners are granted restricted access to monitor their
inventory's performance. Although notifications are not automated, owners can proactively
engage with the portal to assess rental metrics and optimize their listings, ensuring optimal
returns within Rent An Attire's vibrant rental ecosystem.
The research reveals that Rent an Attire faces considerable sales impediments due to the
prolonged duration required for dry cleaning between consecutive uses, particularly for heavy
garments. With an average turnaround time of 3-4 days for dry cleaning, the delay in making
garments available for rental significantly impacts revenue generation potential. This finding
underscores the critical need for optimization in dry-cleaning processes to minimize turnaround
times and maximize revenue capture. Implementing more efficient dry-cleaning protocols or
exploring alternative cleaning methods could mitigate these challenges and improve overall sales
performance.
Rent an Attire's operational efficiency is hindered by its reliance on external dry cleaners and
tailors for last-minute alterations. The dependency on third-party service providers introduces
inherent delays and uncertainties into the supply chain, affecting responsiveness and customer
satisfaction. This reliance underscores a gap in internal capacity and highlights the importance of
developing robust in-house capabilities or forging strategic partnerships with reliable service
providers to address sudden alterations needs promptly. By reducing dependence on external
vendors and enhancing internal capabilities, Rent an Attire can improve operational agility and
ensure a seamless rental experience for customers.
Lack of Omnichannel Integration:
The absence of omnichannel integration within Rent an Attire's retail infrastructure presents a
significant obstacle to enhancing customer experience and maximizing sales potential. For
instance, the inability to seamlessly fulfill customer requests to try on outfits available at
different store locations undermines the brand's ability to capitalize on cross-selling opportunities
and meet evolving customer preferences. This gap in omnichannel integration highlights the
need for improved inventory management and logistical coordination to facilitate real-time
inventory visibility and enable efficient cross-store transfers. By implementing an integrated
omnichannel strategy, Rent an Attire can enhance customer satisfaction, increase sales, and
strengthen its competitive position in the market.
Rent an Attire's current inventory management system suffers from inefficiencies, particularly in
terms of providing timely reminders for impending dispatches. The reliance on manual checks to
identify upcoming bookings and make necessary arrangements introduces unnecessary
complexity and increases the risk of errors and oversights. This finding underscores the need for
streamlined inventory management processes and automated reminder systems to enhance
operational efficiency and ensure timely fulfillment of customer orders. By leveraging
technology solutions and implementing best practices in inventory management, Rent an Attire
can optimize its operations, improve customer service levels, and drive sustainable business
growth.
The current process involves manual entry of details by store salespersons each time an outfit is
rented out, including product ID, rental dates, and fees. This manual intervention poses a risk of
data entry errors, potentially leading to discrepancies in inventory records and impacting booking
accuracy. These errors, especially entering of the wrong garment or date will hamper further
bookings for the same garment as well. Furthermore, this makes the process slower and will
become difficult for the brand to maintain when the inventory is in thousands. Once entered, this
data is updated on the portal, allowing garment owners to monitor their outfit's performance and
rental earnings. However, this monitoring process is also manual, requiring individuals to
regularly check for updates themselves. This manual data management system introduces
inefficiencies and the possibility of oversight, underscoring the need for automated solutions to
enhance accuracy and streamline performance tracking for both store staff and garment owners.
Suggestions
Idea:
Rent an Attire proposes the establishment of an in-house dry cleaning facility to optimize
its circular supply chain. Currently, the company relies on external service providers for
dry cleaning, which can lead to delays, quality inconsistencies, and limited control over
the process. By bringing dry cleaning capabilities in-house, Rent an Attire aims to gain
greater control, improve quality assurance, and enhance responsiveness to customer
needs.
Implementation:
In conclusion, the establishment of an in-house dry cleaning facility aligns with Rent an Attire's
commitment to excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction. By implementing this strategic
initiative, the company stands to reap significant benefits in terms of operational efficiency, cost
savings, and customer loyalty, positioning itself as a leader in the rental business for special
occasions.
Idea:
Implementation:
1. Barcode Generation and Integration: Rent an Attire will assign a unique barcode
to each garment in its inventory. These barcodes will be generated and printed
using specialized software or barcode printers. The barcode data will contain
relevant information about the garment, such as its description, size, rental
history, and owner details.
2. Barcode Scanning Devices: Rental outlets and warehouses will be equipped with
barcode scanning devices, such as handheld scanners or mobile devices with
barcode scanning capabilities. Staff members will use these devices to scan
barcodes when garments are rented out, returned, or moved within the inventory.
3. Database Management System: Rent an Attire will implement a centralized
database management system to store and manage information related to each
garment barcode. This system will facilitate real-time updates and
synchronization of data across all locations, ensuring accuracy and consistency
in inventory records.
4. Communication with Stakeholders: The barcode system will enable seamless
communication with stakeholders, including garment owners and customers.
When a garment is rented out, the system will automatically notify the owner,
providing details about the rental transaction, duration, and return date.
Customers can also track the status of their rented garments using their unique
barcode identifiers.
5. Training and Adoption: Comprehensive training programs will be conducted to
familiarize staff with the barcode system and its functionalities. This includes
training on barcode scanning procedures, data entry protocols, and
troubleshooting common issues. Ongoing support and guidance will be provided
to ensure smooth adoption and utilization of the new system.
Idea: Introduce alternative cleaning methods such as ozone or CO2 cleaning to address the
challenge of lengthy dry-cleaning durations, aiming to enhance garment availability and revenue
streams.
Exploring alternative cleaning methods such as ozone or CO2 cleaning offers promising
solutions:
● Swift Turnaround: Studies on ozone laundry systems and liquid CO2 dry-cleaning
demonstrate significant reductions in processing durations, ensuring prompt garment
availability for rental. (Ozone Laundry Systems – How Can It Benefit Your Laundry
Operation?, 2023)
● Eco-friendly Practices: Both ozone and CO2 cleaning methods align with Rent an
Attire's sustainability goals, minimizing environmental impact and bolstering brand
reputation. (Pallado, 2001)
● Streamlined Operations: Adoption of express dry-cleaning services or alternative
methods enhances resource utilization, streamlining inventory turnover and reducing
storage costs. (Pallado, 2001)
● Enhanced Client Satisfaction: Shortened waiting times for garment availability
contribute to heightened customer satisfaction and loyalty, fostering repeat business.
(Pallado, 2001)
Implementation:
Research and Evaluation: Rent an Attire will initially assess the feasibility of integrating ozone
or CO2 cleaning technologies by examining the benefits and challenges associated with each.
Insights from studies like "Ozone Laundry Systems – How Can It Benefit Your Laundry
Operation?" and "Dry-cleaning with liquid carbon dioxide" will guide this evaluation, aiding in
understanding the potential impact on garment quality, turnaround times, and operational
efficiency.
Partner with Suppliers: Following the research and evaluation phase, Rent an Attire will
proceed to identify and establish partnerships with suppliers specializing in ozone or CO2
cleaning equipment. These partnerships will be instrumental in procuring the necessary
machinery and materials required for the implementation of alternative cleaning methods. By
collaborating closely with suppliers, Rent an Attire aims to ensure seamless integration of the
new technology into its existing infrastructure.
Pilot Programs: To test the effectiveness and efficiency of ozone or CO2 cleaning methods,
Rent an Attire will launch pilot programs in select stores. During this phase, key performance
indicators such as turnaround times, garment quality, and customer satisfaction will be closely
monitored. These pilot programs will provide valuable insights into the practical implications of
adopting alternative cleaning methods on a larger scale.
Staff Training: Comprehensive training programs will be conducted to equip staff members
with the necessary skills and knowledge to operate, maintain, and adhere to safety protocols
associated with ozone or CO2 cleaning equipment. Ensuring staff proficiency in utilizing the
new technology is essential for smooth implementation and optimal performance.
Gradual Integration: Rent an Attire plans to implement ozone or CO2 cleaning gradually
across its stores, starting with locations experiencing the highest demand for rental garments.
This phased approach allows for careful monitoring of the transition process and enables timely
adjustments to address any operational challenges that may arise.
Monitoring and Evaluation: Throughout the implementation process, Rent an Attire will
continuously monitor the impact of alternative cleaning methods on key metrics such as
dry-cleaning durations, garment availability, customer satisfaction, and revenue generation.
Feedback from both staff and customers will be collected and analyzed to gauge the
effectiveness of the new cleaning processes.
In conclusion, by introducing alternative cleaning methods such as ozone or CO2 cleaning, Rent
an Attire effectively addresses the challenge of lengthy dry-cleaning durations, thereby
enhancing garment availability and revenue streams. This strategic initiative not only resolves
existing sales impediments but also optimizes resource management, streamlining inventory
turnover and reducing storage costs. Additionally, by aligning with sustainability goals, Rent an
Attire enhances its brand reputation and attracts environmentally conscious customers. Overall,
the implementation of ozone or CO2 cleaning significantly improves supply chain management,
driving operational efficiency, revenue growth, and customer satisfaction.
Idea:
Rent an Attire proposes the implementation of a sustainable end-of-life strategy for garments to
address the challenge of waste management in its supply chain. Currently, at the end of the
garment's life cycle, the company offers the original owner the option to reclaim the garment or
allow Rent an Attire to retain it. In cases where garments are retained by the company, rather
than being disposed of as waste, Rent an Attire suggests repurposing them into accessories or
recycling them with the assistance of third-party vendors. These accessories can then be
reintroduced into the supply chain or utilized for gifting purposes, aligning with Rent an Attire's
commitment to a circular economy.
Implementation:
In conclusion, the implementation of a sustainable end-of-life strategy for garments enables Rent
an Attire to minimize waste, maximize resource efficiency, and create value through repurposed
and recycled accessories. By embracing circular economy principles and fostering a culture of
sustainability, Rent an Attire reinforces its position as a responsible corporate citizen and a leader
in ethical fashion innovation.
Conclusion
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