Secondhand fashion is having a major moment. Whether you're looking to refresh your wardrobe sustainably or declutter and earn some extra cash, there are more ways than ever to do it. But not all secondhand stores are created equal. One of the most exciting and fast-growing models is "rent-a-rack", and if you've stepped into a VENLA resell+relove location, you’ve already experienced the difference.

So what exactly is the rent-a-rack concept, and how does it compare to traditional secondhand or charity shops? Let’s break it down.

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What Is a Rent-a-Rack?

A rent-a-rack is a simple yet powerful concept. Individuals rent a physical rack in-store to sell their preloved fashion items. They set the prices, manage, and earn the majority of the sales without needing to list anything online or post a single parcel.

At VENLA resell+relove, we offer two easy options:

  • Self-service – You rent a rack for 14 days, keep 70% of the sales, and manage the setup and restocking yourself.
  • All-inclusive – You rent a rack and keep 50%, and we take care of everything from pricing to presentation.

It’s flexible, empowering, and perfect for fashion lovers who want to declutter with purpose.

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What’s a Traditional Secondhand Store?

Think charity shops or consignment boutiques. These stores usually accept clothing donations or selectively buy items to resell. The inventory is managed by the store itself, and as a seller, you often have no control over pricing or how your items are displayed. Buyers browse a collection chosen by staff—great for browsing, but limited in choice and turnover.

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Rent-a-Rack vs Traditional Secondhand: Side-by-Side

Feature

Traditional Secondhand

Rent-a-Rack (as used at Venla)
Who supplies the clothes? Donations or store purchases Everyday people renting racks
Seller control Limited or none Full control over pricing & styling
Inventory turnover Slow to moderate Hundreds of new items daily
Shopping experience Varied but static Dynamic treasure hunt, always changing
Sustainability impact Moderate High – fast circulation, less waste
Profit for sellers Minimal or split with store 50–70% of the sale price

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Why Buyers Love Rent-a-Rack Shopping

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Let’s start with the fun part: shopping.

Because every rack is filled by a different person, you’ll find an eclectic mix of fashion - from Zara to Prada - priced by people who wore and loved those pieces. And with 2–3 new racks arriving in each Venla store daily, the inventory is always fresh. No two visits are the same. This creates a treasure-hunting vibe that traditional secondhand shops often lack. It’s not just sustainable, it’s exciting. You could walk out with a $20 COS knit or a vintage designer bag, and feel good knowing you’ve saved something from the landfill.

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Why Sellers Love It Even More

Selling via the rent-a-rack model gives you freedom.

You don’t need to photograph every item, deal with online messages, or pay high consignment fees. You just book a rack, bring your fashion finds, and let your rack do the work. Whether you're clearing space, changing seasons, or just turning your style into cash, it’s a win-win. Plus, we make it easy. With flexible options and friendly support, we help first-time sellers get the hang of it quickly. It’s retail therapy—but in reverse.

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A More Circular Way to Shop

Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do at VENLA resell+relove.

The fashion industry is one of the most wasteful in the world—and Australia is a major contributor. By giving clothes a second, third, or fourth life, we’re helping to keep quality fashion in use and out of landfill. Traditional secondhand shops contribute to this too—but the rent-a-rack concept takes it further. By circulating fashion faster and more frequently, rent-a-rack keeps items moving and avoids the bottlenecks of backroom stockpiles and slow processing. And because sellers are in charge, they’re more motivated to present their items well and price them attractively—making sure more items find a new home.

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Why VENLA resell+relove?

We were the first to bring rent-a-rack to Sydney, and we’ve been leading ever since. Our community is at the core of our success. Shoppers become sellers. Sellers become regulars. Some do both. We get to know your style, your story, and your go-to brands. It’s personal, social, and surprisingly addictive—in the best way.  With five locations across Sydney, open 7 days a week, it’s easy to find your local Venla and dive into the joy of resell+relove.

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Ready to Join the Movement?

Whether you want to shop smarter or sell sustainably, the rent-a-rack model is a fresh and exciting alternative to traditional secondhand. So next time you think secondhand, think beyond the op shop. Think rent-a-rack. Think VENLA resell+relove. Come explore 100s of new arrivals daily. Or book your rack and turn your wardrobe into cash.

Let’s reduce fashion waste - one garment at a time.

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About the author
Satu Raunola Spencer’s entrepreneurial journey culminated in founding VENLA Resell + Relove, a pioneering rent-a-rack second-hand fashion store in Sydney. Co-founded with fellow Finnish entrepreneur Minna Monaghan as a COVID-era pivot, VENLA brought the Nordic rent-a-rack concept to Sydney, blending innovation with a commitment to sustainability. Satu’s story, rooted in Finnish sisu, is one of resilience and dedication, inspiring more sustainable consumer practices and addressing fashion's environmental challenges.