Up-and-coming try-before-you-rent clothing biz is taking off in the Triangle.
It’s a familiar problem: A full closet but nothing to wear. Raise your hand if you can relate. … After constantly running into this issue and watching their bank accounts take hit after hit for dresses they would only wear once, NC State seniors Emmy Weiland and Amelia Zahn founded TrenLend, a dress rental biz that answered the ever-present “I have nothing to wear!” battle and didn’t break the bank. A win-win for all the fashion girlies (!).
The rental clothing concept has been gaining traction for years—see: Nuuly and Rent the Runway, among others—but Weiland and Zahn found the sites frustrating because most of the pieces they rented didn’t fit or arrive as expected. So, in 2022, the pair started an Instagram account renting their formal dresses out of their sorority houses, with the added op of allowing people to try them on first.
After a year geared toward the college market, the dynamic duo decided a complete rebrand was in order to expand their audience to women of all ages and sizes. “Ever since then, we’ve been working on growing our online platforms like TikTok, Instagram and our website,” says Zahn.
Originally operating out of a warehouse, the chic pair opened their first storefront in Cary in August, catering to everyone from wedding attendees to high schoolers shopping for homecoming or prom to those just looking for a fresh ’fit to wear out.
“That came through more styles, more sizes and just better brand awareness,” maintains Hahn, noting they created a focus group of students in different fashion and textile programs to ensure their products have the range and reach the duo intends. Now, dress styles range from preppy to cool to classic—and the storefront offers more casual pieces as well. Dressing to impress without breaking the bank? Sign us up!trenlend.com
Shop, sweat, spruce up your style and get your self-care on with our retail picks for November.
Dope news! Hemp Generation, Raleigh’s newest hemp-wellness destination, opened its second location offering CBD tinctures, gummies and more—and weed recommend checking it out. 2402 Hillsborough St.
The Trophy Brewing team is back at it again with new concept Maywood Hall & Garden, a chic indoor-outdoor special event space that recently opened just a few doors down from the brewery’s production facility and taproom. Time to get the soiree started! 622 Maywood Ave.
A trio of new businesses has been announced for Smoky Hollow: group fitness and personal training studioHeat Studios; Wilmington-based craft brewery and taproom New Anthem Beer Project; and HUSH Hair Lash Brow, a salon started by two Raleigh creatives. Now you just gotta count down the days until they open… 421 N. Harrington St.
Calling all shopaholics! Casual clothing retailerFaherty will be joining the lineup at Fenton, among a slew of other shops. Inspired by the sun, this apparel shop touts comfort, sustainability and good vibes… and this will be its first proprietary location in NC (!). 855 Cary Towne Blvd., Cary
Got snark? Humorous local custom apparel brand House of Swank has vacated its DTR storefront and moved to Loading Dock – Beryl to host pop-ups through a yet-to-be announced date. 3915 Beryl Road
There’s snow place like the Calvert Holly Springs IcePlex! The state-of-the-art facility set in a 396-acre mixed-use development will feature competition venues with three NHL-regulation ice rinks (!), a boarding school and more. calverticesports.com
Looking to spruce up your next date night? Look no further than Date Night by Design’s custom date boxes, prepared based on couples’ preferences, potential theme and price point. Oh, we love that! @datenightbydesign
Knead to treat yo’self? Get pampered with a facial, spa treatment or body therapy service at the recently opened Synergy Face + Body. Keep calm and spa on. 105 SW Cary Parkway, Ste. 100, Cary
