Clothing subscription kits such as Stitch Fix and Trunk Club offer consumers the convenience of shopping in real life without having to leave their homes. The basic premise involves a curated box of clothing being sent to the subscriber on a monthly basis. It is then up to the consumer to decide which clothes to keep–and pay for–and which to send back.Â
These subscriptions often bill themselves as extremely convenient for busy professionals who don’t have the time or desire to go into a store or even browse the web. However, could these services experience a boom in the current COVID-19 pandemic?Â
CivicScience asked more than 6,000 U.S. adults about their experience with clothing subscription kits to find out more.Â
As the data show, 12% have used these services, while 6% plan to do so.Within this demographic of users and intenders, the largest subset of those who have already used and intend to use the service are aged 18-24.
Online Shopping is RisingÂ
In light of the spread of coronavirus, social distancing has been recommended, with many communities closing all non-essential businesses. This means that online shopping is changing. And those who plan to give clothing subscriptions a try are shopping online even more during these uncertain times.Currently, those most interested in trying these services make up to $50,000 a year. It appears quarantine measures are inciting new customers who may not have considered a subscription clothing kit in the past to give the service a try.Â
Clothing Subscription Kit Fans Love Social MediaÂ
As for the best place to find these potential customers? Look to social media. Those who have already used the service spend more hours a day on social media sites and apps, while those with the most interest are more moderate social media users.These numbers could change as more and more people find themselves temporarily at home but still looking to prepare their wardrobes for the spring season when (hopefully) the pandemic is under control.Â
Ultimately, clothing subscription kits may not be big now, but their moment could be coming. With interested shoppers spending more time shopping online and scrolling through their social media, there is considerable potential for clothing subscriptions to gain new customers during the current health crisis.