Rent the Runway, Inc.

Previous wording

We must continue to drive revenue growth to be successful. To effectively drive growth, we must continue to enhance customer experience and attract and retain customers (particularly subscribers), iterate our subscription products, invest in digital consumer innovation, expand our brand awareness and marketing, and upgrade our management information and reverse logistics systems and other processes. Our growth and growth strategies have in the past strained, and could in the future strain, our existing resources, and we could experience ongoing operating difficulties in managing our business across numerous jurisdictions, including difficulties in hiring, training, and managing a diverse employee base. Failure to scale and preserve our Company culture as we grow could also harm our future success, including our ability to retain and recruit personnel and to effectively focus on and pursue our corporate objectives.

Current wording

We must continue to drive revenue growth to be successful. To effectively drive growth, we must continue to enhance customer experience and attract and retain customers (particularly subscribers), iterate our subscription products, invest in digital consumer innovation, expand our brand awareness and marketing, and upgrade our management information and reverse logistics systems and other processes. Our growth and growth strategies have in the past strained, and could in the future strain, our existing resources, and we could experience ongoing operating difficulties in managing our business across numerous jurisdictions, including difficulties in hiring, training, and managing our broad employee base. Failure to scale and preserve our Company culture as we grow could also harm our future success, including our ability to retain and recruit personnel and to effectively focus on and pursue our corporate objectives.

Previous wording

Our growth strategy is focused on continuing to grow, engage, and retain our subscriber and customer base, expanding our brand partner relationships and product assortment, increasing our advertising and other marketing spending, and continuing to invest in our offerings and technology. The majority of our revenue is generated by our subscribers. Our base subscription plans range in priceand customers can customize their subscription monthly by purchasing additional slots and shipments. Our subscriptions renew automatically on a monthly basis and subscribers may disable automatic renewal by canceling or pausing their subscription prior to the next month’s bill date. As a result, even though a significant number of subscribers have historically renewed their monthly subscription, there can be no assurance that we will be able to retain a significant portion of subscribers beyond the existing monthly subscription periods. In addition, any limitation or restriction imposed on our ability to bill our subscribers on a recurring basis, whether due to new regulations or otherwise, may significantly lower our subscription retention rate. We also offer our customers the option to rent or buy items via our Reserve offering and Resale offering, respectively. Our Subscription plans and offerings do not have demonstrably long track records of success and may not grow as much or as fast as we expect. For example, our active subscriber growth rate decreased year over year in fiscal year 2023 and, although we are focused on growth initiatives, may continue to decline in the future. In addition, our annual revenue was roughly flat year-over-year in fiscal year 2023. We presently anticipate a modest increase in our year-over-year revenue growth rate in fiscal year 2024; however, if our growth rates continue to decline, the perception of our business, financial condition and results of operations by investors and our third-party service providers and brand partners may be adversely affected.

Current wording

Our growth strategy is focused on continuing to grow, engage, and retain our subscriber and customer base, expanding our brand partner relationships and product assortment, increasing our advertising and other marketing spending, and continuing to invest in our offerings and technology. The majority of our revenue is generated by our subscribers. Our base subscription plans range in priceand customers can customize their subscription monthly by purchasing additional slots and shipments. Our subscriptions renew automatically on a monthly basis and subscribers may disable automatic renewal by canceling or pausing their subscription prior to the next month’s bill date. As a result, even though a significant number of subscribers have historically renewed their monthly subscription, there can be no assurance that we will be able to retain a significant portion of subscribers beyond the existing monthly subscription periods. In addition, any limitation or restriction imposed on our ability to bill our subscribers on a recurring basis, enforce our terms of service or collect data or deliver relevant promotions or media, whether due to new regulations or otherwise, may significantly lower our subscription retention rate. We also offer our customers the option to rent or buy items via our Reserve offering and Resale offering, respectively. Our Subscription plans and offerings do not have demonstrably long track records of success and may not grow as much or as fast as we expect. For example, our active subscriber count decreased year over year in fiscal year 2024 and, although we are focused on growth initiatives, may continue to decline in the future. In addition, our number of active subscribers may be higher or lower than the number of our actual individual subscribers, because some active subscribers may have multiple accounts (such as for professional and personal purposes), or some may share their plans with other individuals. Although we presently anticipate an increase in our year-over-year revenue growth rate in fiscal year 2025, if our growth and/or growth rates do not meet expectations, the perception of our business, financial condition and results of operations by investors and our third-party service providers and brand partners may be adversely affected.

Previous wording

Our growth and growth strategies have in the past strained, and could in the future strain, our existing resources, and we could experience ongoing operating difficulties in managing our business across numerous jurisdictions, including difficulties in hiring, training, and managing a diverse employee base. Failure to scale and preserve our Company culture as we grow could also harm our future success, including our ability to retain and recruit personnel and to effectively focus on and pursue our corporate objectives. Failure to manage our future growth effectively could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Current wording

Our growth and growth strategies have in the past strained, and could in the future strain, our existing resources, and we could experience ongoing operating difficulties in managing our business across numerous jurisdictions, including difficulties in hiring, training, and managing our broad employee base. Failure to scale and preserve our Company culture as we grow could also harm our future success, including our ability to retain and recruit personnel and to effectively focus on and pursue our corporate objectives. Failure to manage our future growth effectively could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Previous wording

Furthermore, we are revolutionizing the fashion industry by changing the way women get dressed. Although we believe that there are numerous trends in our favor that support the continued growth and success of online fashion rental, changing traditional retail and e-commerce shopping habits is difficult, particularly the shift from an ownership to an access model. Our business model may not achieve acceptance as broadly and within the time frame that we expect by customers and brand partners. In addition, the trends in our favor may evolve and no longer provide compelling support for our business model. If online fashion rental does not achieve broad acceptance by consumers and our brand partners, our growth could be limited and our competitiveness hampered.

Current wording

Furthermore, although we believe that there are numerous trends in our favor that support the continued growth and success of online fashion rental, changing traditional retail and e-commerce shopping habits is difficult, particularly the shift from an ownership to an access model. Our business model may not achieve acceptance as broadly and within the time frame that we expect by customers and brand partners. In addition, the trends in our favor may evolve and no longer provide compelling support for our business model. If online fashion rental does not achieve broad acceptance by consumers and our brand partners, our growth could be limited and our competitiveness hampered.

Previous wording

Our inability to respond effectively to competitive pressures, improved performance by our competitors, failure to achieve broad acceptance and changes in the fashion retail markets could result in lost market share and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Current wording

Our inability to respond effectively to competitive pressures, improved performance by our competitors, our failure to achieve broad acceptance and changes in the fashion retail markets could result in lost market share and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Previous wording

We are subject to variable industry and global economic conditions and their impact on consumer discretionary spending. Some of the factors that may negatively influence consumer spending include high levels of unemployment; recession; higher consumer debt levels; inflation; reductions in net worth, declines in asset values, and related market uncertainty; home foreclosures and reductions in home values; fluctuating interest rates and credit availability; fluctuating fuel and other energy costs; fluctuating commodity prices; and general uncertainty regarding the overall future political and economic environment. We have experienced many of these factors due to the recent volatile macroeconomic environment and have seen negative impacts on customer demand at varying levels as a result.

Current wording

We are subject to variable industry and global economic conditions and their impact on consumer discretionary spending. Some of the factors that may negatively influence consumer spending include high levels of unemployment; recession; higher consumer debt levels; inflation; reductions in net worth, declines in asset values, and related market uncertainty; volatility in the financial markets; home foreclosures and reductions in home values; fluctuating interest rates and credit availability; fluctuating fuel and other energy costs; fluctuating commodity prices; and general uncertainty regarding the overall future political and economic environment. We have experienced many of these factors in the past and have seen negative impacts on customer demand as a result.

Previous wording

Furthermore, increases in consumer discretionary spending tend to fluctuate and may decrease, particularly if there is a recession and/or higher inflation leading to increased price sensitivity. Economic conditions in certain regions may also be affected by natural disasters, such as hurricanes, tropical storms, earthquakes, and wildfires; other public health crises; wars, terrorism and political tensions; and other major unforeseen events. Although we believe the value proposition of our offering and business model may be strengthened in an inflationary environment where the cost of purchasing clothing and accessories increases, consumer purchases or rental of discretionary items, including the products that we offer, frequently decline during recessionary periods or periods of economic uncertainty, when disposable income is reduced or when there is a reduction in consumer confidence.

Current wording

Furthermore, increases in consumer discretionary spending tend to fluctuate and may decrease, particularly if there is a recession and/or higher inflation leading to increased price sensitivity. Economic conditions in certain regions may also be affected by natural disasters, such as hurricanes, tropical storms, earthquakes, and wildfires; other public health crises; geopolitical conditions, including wars, terrorism and political tensions; and other major unforeseen events. Although we believe the value proposition of our offering and business model may be strengthened in an inflationary environment where the cost of purchasing clothing and accessories increases, consumer purchases or rental of discretionary items, including the products that we offer, frequently decline during recessionary periods or periods of economic uncertainty, when disposable income is reduced or when there is a reduction in consumer confidence.

Previous wording

Additionally, adverse economic changes could reduce consumer confidence, and could thereby negatively affect our operating results. In the event of a prolonged economic downturn or acute recession, significant inflation, or increased supply chain shortages, consumer spending habits could be adversely affected, and we could experience lower than expected revenue, net income, and Adjusted EBITDA. In challenging and uncertain economic environments, we cannot predict the degree of uncertainty, whether or when such circumstances may improve or worsen or what impact such circumstances could have on our business. Any of these developments could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

Additionally, adverse economic changes could reduce consumer confidence, and could thereby negatively affect our operating results. In the event of a prolonged economic downturn, uncertainty, or acute recession, significant inflation, or increased supply chain shortages, consumer spending habits could be adversely affected, and we could experience lower than expected revenue, net income, cash flows and Adjusted EBITDA. In challenging and uncertain economic environments, we cannot predict the degree of uncertainty, whether or when such circumstances may improve or worsen or what impact such circumstances could have on our business. Any of these developments could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

Our continued growth depends on our ability to attract new, and retain existing, customers, which may fluctuate based on our level of investment and success in paid marketing initiatives. If we are unable to cost-effectively grow our customer base, our business, financial condition and results of operations would be harmed.

Current wording

Our continued growth depends on our ability to attract new, and retain existing, customers, which may fluctuate based on our level of investment and success in our organic and paid marketing initiatives. If we are unable to cost-effectively grow our customer base, our business, financial condition and results of operations would be harmed.

Previous wording

The growth of our business is dependent upon our ability to continue to grow by cost-effectively adding new customers and retaining existing customers. Historically, a substantial portion of new customer acquisition has originated from organic word-of-mouth and other non-paid referrals. Our marketing initiatives are generally focused on re-engaging lapsed and paused customers, retaining existing customers and growing our base of new customers. In addition, in fiscal year 2024, we have been focused on growing traffic and conversion rates and refreshing our lifecycle marketing engine. These efforts are nascent and, although we have seen some positive results, they are preliminary and may not result in a sustained increase in customer loyalty or higher customer engagement. As a result, our levels of paid and organic growth may continue to fluctuate and/or overall growth may decline.

Current wording

The growth of our business is dependent upon our ability to continue to grow by cost-effectively adding new customers and retaining existing customers. Historically, a substantial portion of new customer acquisition has originated from organic word-of-mouth and other non-paid referrals. Our marketing initiatives are generally focused on re-engaging lapsed and paused customers, retaining existing customers and growing our base of new customers. In addition, we continue to focus on growing traffic and conversion rates by optimizing our organic social media channels, by improving our email marketing performance, by refreshing our lifecycle marketing engine, by increasing paid marketing efficiency, and by focusing on our search engine ranking for relevant keywords. These efforts are ongoing and, although we have seen some positive results, they are subject to change and may not result in a sustained increase in customer loyalty or higher customer engagement. As a result, our levels of paid and organic growth may continue to fluctuate and/or overall growth may decline.

Previous wording

Paid marketing is a key part of our growth strategy and we anticipate that significant investment in marketing will be required in the future. However, we plan to reduce our marketing spend, particularly in paid marketing, in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2024, which may result in lower customer acquisitions and, therefore, future revenue. We also utilize promotional pricing to attract customers and subscribers who may have heightened price sensitivity and not be willing to pay full price for our offering when the promotion period expires. In recent quarters, we have reduced promotional pricing for Subscription, which we believe negatively impacted subscriber acquisition. However, we believe that being less promotional going forward will enhance retention and customer experience and is in the best interest of the long-term health of the business. This approach may not be successful or sustainable and is likely to result in lower subscriber acquisition in the short term. In addition, it is likely that we will conduct additional experiments and may make changes to our promotions strategy in the future, depending on market conditions and other factors. We may incur marketing expenses significantly in advance of the time we anticipate recognized revenue associated with such expenses. In addition, our paid marketing may be unsuccessful for various reasons, including not effectively reaching potential customers or being cost-effective (particularly as costs increase for performance marketing), changes in regulations (e.g., privacy) or third-party interference could limit the effectiveness of search engines, social media platforms, and other tools for marketing, potential customers may decide not to rent through our platform or the spend of new customers may not yield the intended return on investment, any of which could negatively affect our results of operations. In addition, the success of our marketing initiatives overall depends upon our marketing team and leadership, which has continued to experience transition as we focus on building creative and strategic talent on the team. If our team building efforts or marketing strategies are not successful or are not executed successfully, our growth may decline and we may not achieve our growth and/or profitability goals.

Current wording

Paid marketing is a part of our growth strategy and we may determine that significant investment in marketing will be required in the future. However, we reduced our marketing spend, particularly in paid marketing, in fiscal year 2024, which resulted in lower customer acquisitions and revenue. We may incur marketing expenses significantly in advance of the time we anticipate recognized revenue associated with such expenses. In addition, our paid marketing may be unsuccessful for various reasons, including not effectively reaching potential customers or being cost-effective (particularly as costs increase for performance marketing), changes in regulations (e.g., privacy) or third-party interference could limit the effectiveness of search engines, social media platforms, and other tools for marketing, potential customers may decide not to rent through our platform or the spend of new customers may not yield the intended return on investment, any of which could negatively affect our results of operations. In addition, the success of our marketing initiatives overall depends upon our marketing team and leadership, which has continued to experience transition as we focus on building creative and strategic talent on the team. If our team building efforts or marketing strategies are not successful or are not executed successfully, our growth may decline and we may not achieve our growth and/or profitability goals.

Previous wording

•the performance of our website and mobile app, including site speed and reliability;

Current wording

•the performance of our website and mobile app, including reliability;

Previous wording

•the unpredictable nature of COVID-19 or a future outbreak of disease or similar public health concern; and

Current wording

•a future outbreak of disease or public health concern, such as COVID-19; and

Previous wording

•the failure (or perceived failure) to meet customer expectations regarding our environmental, social and governance (“ESG”), initiatives.

Current wording

•the failure (or perceived failure) to meet different and sometimes conflicting stakeholder expectations regarding our environmental, social and governance (“ESG”), initiatives.

Previous wording

If existing customers no longer find our offerings and products appealing, appropriately priced or easy to use, or if we are unable to provide high-quality support to customers to help them resolve issues in a timely and acceptable manner, they may stop using our offerings, negative publicity may be generated and word-of-mouth and other referrals may be hampered. If our customers no longer perceive our subscription plans as appropriately priced and cancel or pause their subscriptions, our business and financial results could be harmed. We are focused on investing in our customer’s experience and delivering even more value to her, including by adding an extra item to each shipment since the first quarter of fiscal year 2023, increasing the depth of our rental product selection, and emphasizing the value proposition of our offering in our marketing materials, among other initiatives; however these or other initiatives to retain customers may not be successful at improving customer satisfaction, subscriber retention and/or revenues and may require additional costs or lead to unanticipated consequences. Even if our existing customers continue to find our offerings and products appealing and our customer service satisfactory, they may decide to downgrade to a less frequent, lower cost subscription and/or rent fewer items due to price sensitivity and/or changing demand or other reasons. If customers downgrade their subscriptions or make fewer or lower priced rentals, our financial results could be negatively affected.

Current wording

If existing customers no longer find our offerings and products appealing, appropriately priced or easy to use, or if we are unable to provide high-quality support to customers to help them resolve issues in a timely and acceptable manner, they may stop using our offerings, we may experience negative publicity and word-of-mouth and other referrals may be hampered. If our customers no longer perceive our subscription plans as appropriately priced and cancel or pause their subscriptions, our business and financial results could be harmed. We are focused on investing in our customer’s experience and delivering even more value to her, including by focusing on approximately doubling our rental product selection in fiscal year 2025 and emphasizing the value proposition of our offering in our marketing materials, among other initiatives; however these or other initiatives to retain customers may not be successful at improving customer satisfaction, subscriber retention and/or revenues and may require additional costs or lead to unanticipated consequences. Even if our existing customers continue to find our offerings and products appealing and our customer service satisfactory, they may decide to downgrade to a less frequent, lower cost subscription and/or rent fewer items due to price sensitivity and/or changing demand or other reasons. If customers downgrade their subscriptions or make fewer or lower priced rentals, our financial results could be negatively affected.

Previous wording

We had a net loss of $(56.5) million and $(113.2) million for the nine months ended October 31, 2024 and year ended January 31, 2024, respectively, and have in the past had net losses. As of October 31, 2024, we had an accumulated deficit of $(1,109.6) million. Because we have a short operating history at scale, it is difficult for us to predict our future operating results. We will need to generate and sustain increased revenue and manage our costs to achieve profitability. Even if we do, we may not be able to sustain or increase our profitability.

Current wording

We had a net loss of $(26.1) million and $(69.9) million for the three months ended April 30, 2025 and year ended January 31, 2025, respectively, and have in the past had net losses. As of April 30, 2025, we had an accumulated deficit of $(1,149.1) million. Further, for a variety of reasons, it is difficult for us to predict our future operating results. We will need to generate and sustain increased revenue and manage our costs to achieve profitability. Even if we do, we may not be able to sustain or increase our profitability.

Previous wording

Our ability to generate profit depends on our ability to grow customers and revenue and drive operational efficiencies in our business to generate better margins. In fiscal years 2022 and 2023, we took significant steps to reduce our operating costs, improve our margins, and make progress towards profitability, which is an important financial goal for us over time. Nevertheless, our efforts may be unsuccessful and we may continue to generate net losses in order to:

Current wording

Our ability to generate profit depends on our ability to grow customers and revenue and drive operational efficiencies in our business to generate better margins. In recent years, we have taken significant steps to reduce our operating costs, improve our margins, and make progress towards profitability. We expect fiscal year 2025 to be a year of investment as we plan to significantly increase the amount of new rental product we acquire and, therefore, expect to increase our net losses year-over-year. We may also continue to generate net losses in order to:

Previous wording

We have not always predicted our customers’ preferences and acceptance levels of our products with accuracy. We have observed that our customers live, work, socialize and travel differently than they did prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and that these behaviors continue to evolve, which influences what they wear and has made trend predictions challenging. We may misjudge demand and over or under purchase rental product. In addition, external events may disrupt or change customer preferences and behaviors in ways we are not able to anticipate. During the second quarter of 2023, lower rental product depth levels negatively impacted active subscribers, particularly new subscribers, and, since then we have focused our efforts on improving rental product depth levels. Although our in-stock rates have improved on an annual basis year-over-year, we anticipate quarterly fluctuations to occur due to the timing of our purchases, seasonality and other factors within our outside of our control, which may negatively impact customer retention and, therefore, revenue. Any future decreases in our rental product depth levels, including in connection with other business objectives, may negatively impact active subscribers.

Current wording

We have not always predicted our customers’ preferences and acceptance levels of our products with accuracy. We may misjudge demand and over or under purchase rental product. In addition, external events may disrupt or change customer preferences and behaviors in ways we are not able to anticipate. Lower rental product availability, including depth and breadth levels, has negatively impacted active subscriber retention in the past. Although we expect to approximately double the new rental product added to our site year-over-year in fiscal year 2025, we anticipate quarterly fluctuations to occur due to the timing of our purchases, seasonality and other factors within or outside of our control, which may negatively impact customer retention and, therefore, revenue. Any future decreases in our rental product availability levels, including in connection with other business objectives, may negatively impact active subscribers.

Previous wording

We currently primarily rely on a national carrier for our outbound and inbound logistics. However, we continue to maintain relationships with tier two and tier three carriers in order to provide redundancies and manage potential shipping disruptions from time to time. While we have confidence in our current strategy, we cannot predict changes in market conditions or how relying on a single national carrier may impact customer sentiment and satisfaction, which could lead to unanticipated costs and/or have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition.

Current wording

We currently primarily rely on a national carrier for our outbound and inbound logistics. However, we continue to maintain relationships with tier two and tier three carriers in order to provide redundancies and manage potential shipping disruptions from time to time. While we have confidence in our current strategy, we cannot predict changes in market conditions or how primarily relying on a single national carrier may impact customer sentiment and satisfaction, which could lead to unanticipated costs and/or have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition.

Previous wording

Our ability to receive inbound products efficiently and ship products to and from customers may be negatively affected by many events outside of our control, including inclement weather, public health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, governmental regulations, labor disputes and other factors. We are also subject to risks of damage or loss during delivery by our shipping vendors. If our customers do not receive their orders in good condition or on time, or perceive our new 3-day shipping promise as too slow, they could become dissatisfied and cease using our services, which would adversely affect our business and operating results. Our shipping vendors have faced and may continue to face increased volumes which, in turn, has caused and could in the future cause a decrease in their service levels, including shipping delays, or result in an increase in their prices. We have experienced increased shipping costs in recent years, and these costs may increase in the future. In addition, although we have achieved efficiencies in our supply chain operations in recent years, these efficiencies may not be sustainable or meet our broader business objectives. Increases in shipping costs, in particular for our primary shipping vendor, could result in increased costs to us and adversely impact our business. In addition, significant shipping difficulties or disruptions or any failure by our brand partners or third-party carriers to deliver high-quality products to us or to our customers, as applicable, in a timely manner or to otherwise adequately serve our customers could damage our reputation and brand and may substantially harm our business.

Current wording

Our ability to receive inbound products efficiently and ship products to and from customers may be negatively affected by many events outside of our control, including inclement weather, public health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, governmental regulations, labor disputes and other factors. We are also subject to risks of damage or loss during delivery by our shipping vendors. Customers who do not receive their orders in good condition or on time, or perceive our 3-day shipping promise as too slow, often become dissatisfied and even cease using our services, which may adversely affect our business and operating results if the issues become persistent or impact a significant amount of customers. Our shipping vendors have faced and may continue to face increased volumes which, in turn, has caused and could in the future cause a decrease in their service levels, including shipping delays, or result in an increase in their prices. We have experienced increased shipping costs in recent years, and these costs may increase in the future. In addition, although we have achieved efficiencies in our supply chain operations in recent years, these efficiencies may not be sustainable or meet our broader business objectives. Increases in shipping costs, in particular for our primary shipping vendor, could result in increased costs to us and adversely impact our business. In addition, significant shipping difficulties or disruptions or any failure by our brand partners or third-party carriers to deliver high-quality products to us or to our customers, as applicable, in a timely manner or to otherwise adequately serve our customers could damage our reputation and brand and may substantially harm our business.

Previous wording

We are vulnerable to demand and pricing shifts and to suboptimal selection and timing of product purchases. We obtain substantially all of our products directly from hundreds of brand partners through three key ways: 1) Wholesale, 2) Share by RTR, and 3) Exclusive Designs. For our business to be successful and have sufficient product to meet consumer demand, our brand and manufacturing partners must be willing and able to provide us with products in specific quantities and styles of sufficient quality, in compliance with regulatory requirements, at acceptable costs and payment schedules and on a timely basis. We typically do not enter into long-term contracts with our brand and manufacturing partners and, as such, we operate without significant contractual assurances of continued supply, pricing or access to products. Although we believe we have had limited voluntary attrition of brand partners to date, a brand partner could choose to no longer work with us or provide less favorable terms for a variety of reasons, including current operating, financial, market and supply chain conditions. In addition, some of our brand partners may not have the capacity to supply us with sufficient products to keep pace with our growth plans, especially if we plan to demand significantly greater amounts of products. In such cases, our ability to pursue our growth strategy will depend in part upon our ability to expand capacity with existing brand partners or develop new brand partner relationships.

Current wording

We are vulnerable to demand and pricing shifts and to suboptimal selection and timing of rental product purchases. We obtain substantially all of our products directly from hundreds of brand partners through three key ways: 1) Wholesale, 2) Share by RTR, and 3) Exclusive Designs. For our business to be successful and have sufficient product to meet consumer demand, our brand and manufacturing partners must be willing and able to provide us with products in specific quantities and styles of sufficient quality, in compliance with regulatory requirements, at acceptable costs and payment schedules and on a timely basis. We typically do not enter into long-term contracts with our brand and manufacturing partners and, as such, we operate without significant contractual assurances of continued supply, pricing or access to products. Brand partners have discontinued working with us in the past and a brand partner could choose to no longer work with us or provide less favorable terms for a variety of reasons in the future, including operating, financial, market and supply chain conditions or other factors within and outside of our control. In addition, some of our brand partners may not have the capacity to supply us with sufficient products to keep pace with our growth plans, especially if we plan to demand significantly greater amounts of products. In such cases, our ability to pursue our growth strategy will depend in part upon our ability to expand capacity with existing brand partners or develop new brand partner relationships.

Previous wording

We have been focused on expanding our relationships with brand partners and continuing to work to increase the proportion of our products procured under Exclusive Designs and Share by RTR arrangements, which are our more capital-efficient ways of acquiring rental product. For our Exclusive Designs, RTR generally sources the materials and relies upon third-party manufacturing partners to produce products. For Wholesale and Share by RTR items, entering into contracts in advance of a particular season requires brand partners to agree to incur costs related to sourcing and manufacturing products before we have paid for them, which requires the brand partners to continue to trust us. If we were viewed as less financially viable by our brand partners and/or their financing partners or factoring companies, we may receive less favorable terms and conditions from our brand partners, including requiring upfront payments or other demonstrations of credit. The cash flow benefits we currently experience from our brand partners’ willingness to revenue share could be adversely affected if revenue share terms change or if brand partners no longer wish to revenue share due to lack of trust in us, lack of revenue earned in comparison to the projections we provided, or their inability to continue to spread their earnings out over the time period that the products are earning revenue on our website, among other reasons. For our Exclusive Design arrangements, we must continue to increase the number of brand partners with whom we work, design an assortment of styles that meet customer demand, maintain and enhance our third-party manufacturing capabilities and partner relationships and ensure the products manufactured meets brand partners’, customers’ and our quality standards. Our ability to obtain a sufficient selection or volume of products on a timely basis at competitive prices could suffer as a result of any deterioration or change in our partner relationships or events that adversely affect them and, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Current wording

We have been focused on expanding our relationships with brand partners and continuing to develop our Exclusive Designs and Share by RTR arrangements, which are our more capital-efficient ways of acquiring rental product. For our Exclusive Designs, RTR traditionally has sourced the materials and relied upon third-party manufacturing partners to produce products; however, we have updated our Exclusive Designs model and, for fiscal year 2025, certain brands now source and manufacture the products themselves, which are exclusively available on our site for a period of time. This new Exclusive Designs approach is similar to the approach for Wholesale and Share by RTR items, for which we enter into contracts in advance of a particular season and brand partners frequently agree to incur costs related to sourcing and manufacturing products before we have paid for them, which requires the brand partners to continue to trust us. If we were viewed as less financially viable by our brand partners and/or their financing partners or factoring companies, we may receive less favorable terms and conditions from our brand partners, including requiring more upfront payments or other demonstrations of credit. The cash flow benefits we currently experience from our brand partners’ willingness to revenue share could be adversely affected if revenue share terms change or if brand partners no longer wish to revenue share due to lack of trust in us, lack of revenue earned in comparison to the projections we provided, or their inability to continue to spread their earnings out over the time period that the products are earning revenue on our website, among other reasons. For our Exclusive Design arrangements, we must continue to increase the number of brand partners with whom we work, design an assortment of styles that meet customer demand, maintain and enhance our third-party manufacturing capabilities and partner relationships and ensure the products manufactured meets brand partners’, customers’ and our quality standards. Our ability to obtain a sufficient selection or volume of products on a timely basis at competitive prices could suffer as a result of any deterioration or change in our partner relationships or events that adversely affect them and, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Previous wording

We also procure and manufacture products outside of the United States. Global sourcing and foreign trade involve numerous factors and uncertainties beyond our control including increased shipping costs, limitations in factory capacity, the imposition of additional import or trade restrictions, including legal or economic restrictions on overseas brand partners’ or manufacturers’ ability to produce and deliver products, increased custom duties and tariffs, unforeseen delays in customs, more restrictive quotas, loss of a most favored nation trading status, currency exchange rates, transportation delays, foreign government regulations, political instability and conflict, such as the war between Russia and Ukraine and conflict in the Middle East, and economic uncertainties in the countries from which we or our brand partners source our products. Future extended disruptions in travel may limit our ability to source products in-person, which may lead to suboptimal products and harm our business. For the next several quarters, we anticipate facing, and having to address challenges relating to, economic uncertainty and trends that may also impact our business operations, including transportation efficiencies. Additionally, oil supply disruptions related to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine led and could continue to lead to increased fuel and shipping prices. Further, certain trade restrictions related to the Xinjiang region of China that impose a ban on virtually all imports from that region could affect the sourcing and availability of raw materials, such as cotton, used in the manufacturing of certain products and lead to our products and materials and those of our brand and/or manufacturing partners being held for inspection by the United States Customs & Border Patrol and delayed or rejected for entry, which could adversely impact the customer experience and our business. In addition, negative press or consumer sentiment about internationally sourced products may lead to reduced demand for our products. These and other issues affecting our international brand partners, manufacturers or internationally sourced products could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Current wording

We also procure and manufacture products outside of the United States. Global sourcing and foreign trade involve numerous factors and uncertainties beyond our control including increased shipping costs, limitations in factory capacity, the imposition of additional import or trade restrictions, including legal or economic restrictions on overseas brand partners’ or manufacturers’ ability to produce and deliver products, increased custom duties and tariffs, unforeseen delays in customs, more restrictive quotas, loss of a most favored nation trading status, currency exchange rates, transportation delays, foreign government regulations, political instability and conflict, such as the war between Russia and Ukraine and conflict in the Middle East, and economic uncertainties in the countries from which we or our brand partners source our products. Future extended disruptions in travel may limit our ability to source products in-person, which may lead to suboptimal products and harm our business. For the next several quarters, we anticipate facing, and having to address challenges relating to, economic uncertainty and trends that may also impact our business operations, including transportation efficiencies. Additionally, oil supply disruptions related to the war between Russia and Ukraine have in the past led to, and could continue to lead to ,increased fuel and shipping prices. Further, certain trade restrictions related to the Xinjiang region of China that impose a ban on virtually all imports from that region could affect the sourcing and availability of raw materials, such as cotton, used in the manufacturing of certain products and lead to our products and materials and those of our brand and/or manufacturing partners being held for inspection by the United States Customs & Border Patrol and delayed or rejected for entry, which could adversely impact the customer experience and our business. In addition, negative press or consumer sentiment about internationally sourced products may lead to reduced demand for our products. These and other issues affecting our international brand partners, manufacturers or internationally sourced products could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Previous wording

If we are not able to improve our website and mobile app performance, keep pace with technological changes, enhance our current offerings, and develop new offerings in a timely way to respond to the changing needs of partners and customers, our business, financial performance, and growth may be harmed.

Current wording

If we are not able to continue to improve our website and mobile app performance, keep pace with technological changes, enhance our current offerings, and develop new offerings in a timely way to respond to the changing needs of partners and customers, our business, financial performance, and growth may be harmed.

Previous wording

Our industry is characterized by rapidly changing technology, new service and product introductions, and changing customer demands and preferences, and we are not able to predict the effect of these changes on our business. In addition, we believe that our future success depends, in part, on our ability to anticipate and respond effectively to new technology disruption and developments and keep pace more generally with technological changes and trends. These may include new software applications or related services based on artificial intelligence (such as our AI search beta launch), augmented reality, machine learning, or robotics or more generally evolving trends in e-commerce. For example, we are currently focused on improving the performance of our website and mobile application for our customers, including increasing site speed and reliability; however, our efforts may be unsuccessful. The technologies that we currently use to support our business platform are highly interconnected and complex (as discussed elsewhere in these risk factors) and may become inadequate or obsolete, and the cost of incorporating new technologies into our offerings and services may be substantial. In addition, any failure by us to adequately integrate technological developments in our approach to data management could harm our ability to leverage data, including customer data, collected through our technology and our systems, which could have a negative effect on our business. If we are unable to adequately utilize our data in support of our operations due technical or other limitations, our ability to drive leverage in operational efficiencies and to attract new customers and retain existing customers could be impaired. In addition, if we are unable to successfully leverage new technology to automate and otherwise enhance and drive efficiencies in our operations, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be harmed.

Current wording

Our industry is characterized by rapidly changing technology, new service and product introductions, and changing customer demands and preferences, and we are not able to predict the effect of these changes on our business. In addition, we believe that our future success depends, in part, on our ability to anticipate and respond effectively to new technology disruption and developments and keep pace more generally with technological changes and trends. These may include new software applications or related services based on artificial intelligence (such as our AI search tool), augmented reality, machine learning, or robotics or more generally evolving trends in e-commerce. For example, we continue to focus on improving the performance of our website and mobile application for our customers, including increasing reliability; however, our efforts may be unsuccessful. The technologies that we currently use to support our business platform are highly interconnected and complex (as discussed elsewhere in these risk factors) and may become inadequate or obsolete, and the cost of incorporating new technologies into our offerings and services may be substantial. In addition, any failure by us to adequately integrate technological developments in our approach to data management could harm our ability to leverage data, including customer data, collected through our technology and our systems, which could have a negative effect on our business. If we are unable to adequately utilize our data in support of our operations due technical or other limitations, our ability to drive leverage in operational efficiencies and to attract new customers and retain existing customers could be impaired. In addition, if we are unable to successfully leverage new technology to automate and otherwise enhance and drive efficiencies in our operations, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be harmed.

Previous wording

Additionally, as we invest in and experiment with new offerings or changes to our platform, our partners and customers may find these changes to be disruptive and may perceive them negatively. For example, in 2021, we phased out our “unlimited swaps” subscription plan and shifted to our current subscription plans with different price points based on usage. In addition, our at-home pickup offering offers customers in certain markets a new way to return their items without going to a physical drop off location. In March 2023, we changed our subscription programs to provide customers with one additional item per shipment at no extra charge, which is intended to provide more value to our customers and increase retention. These new plans and offerings do not have demonstrably long track records of success for us and could result in higher fulfillment costs and lower gross margins, higher product spend, and/or other unforeseen impacts on the business. In addition, developing new offerings and services is complex, and the timetable for their public launch is difficult to predict and may vary from our historical experience. As a result, the introduction of new offerings may occur after anticipated release dates, or they may be introduced as pilot programs, which may not be continued for various reasons. In addition, new offerings may not be successful due to defects or errors, negative publicity, or our failure to market them effectively. New offerings may not drive revenue growth, customer acquisition or retention, may require substantial investment and planning, and may bring us more directly into competition with companies that are better established or have greater resources than we do. If we do not continue to cost-effectively develop new offerings that satisfy our brand partners and customers, then our competitive position and growth prospects may be harmed. In addition, changes to subscription plans or new offerings may have lower margins than we anticipate or than existing offerings, and our revenue from new offerings may not be enough to offset the cost of developing and maintaining them, which could adversely affect our business, financial performance, and growth. Finally, the success of our technology and product initiatives overall depends upon our engineering and product teams and leadership, which have experienced recent transition and may continue to experience transition in the future. If our team building efforts or engineering and product strategies and plans are not successful or are not executed successfully, our growth may decline and we may not achieve our profitability goals.

Current wording

Additionally, as we invest in and experiment with new offerings or changes to our platform, our partners and customers may find these changes to be disruptive and may perceive them negatively. For example, in March 2023, we changed our subscription programs to provide customers with one additional item per shipment at no extra charge, which is intended to provide more value to our customers and increase retention. In fiscal year 2025, we plan to approximately double our rental product added on our site. These new offerings and updates do not have demonstrably long track records of success for us and could result in higher fulfillment costs and lower gross margins, higher product spend, and/or other unforeseen impacts on the business. In addition, developing new offerings and services is complex, and the timetable for their public launch is difficult to predict and may vary from our expectations. As a result, the introduction of new offerings may occur after anticipated release dates, or they may be introduced as pilot programs, which may not be continued for various reasons. In addition, new offerings may not be successful due to defects or errors, negative publicity, or our failure to market them effectively. New offerings may not drive revenue growth, customer acquisition or retention, may require substantial investment and planning, and may bring us more directly into competition with companies that are better established or have greater resources than we do. If we do not continue to cost-effectively develop new offerings that satisfy our brand partners and customers, then our competitive position and growth prospects may be harmed. In addition, changes to subscription plans or new offerings may have lower margins than we anticipate or than existing offerings, and our revenue from new offerings may not be enough to offset the cost of developing and maintaining them, which could adversely affect our business, financial performance, and growth. Finally, the success of our technology and product initiatives overall depends upon our engineering and product teams and leadership, which have experienced recent transition and may continue to experience transition in the future. If our team building efforts or engineering and product strategies and plans are not successful or are not executed successfully, our growth may decline and we may not achieve our profitability goals.

Previous wording

We rely heavily on the Internet, computer systems, hardware, in-house proprietary technology, third-party software and infrastructure, and customized off-the-shelf technology solutions across our business (collectively, our “IT Systems”). We own and manage some of these IT Systems but also rely on third parties for a range of IT Systems and related products and services. Our ability to effectively manage all areas of our business, particularly our product management and fulfillment operations, depends significantly on the reliability and capacity of these IT Systems. We are critically dependent on the integrity, connectivity, security and consistent operations of our IT Systems, which are highly dependent on coordination of our internal business, operations, product and engineering teams. For example, in September 2019, we experienced a software outage at our Secaucus, New Jersey facility, during which we were unable to fulfill thousands of Reserve and Subscription orders on a timely basis and made the decision to stop taking new orders until the issue was adequately resolved. We also experienced significant negative customer reviews and negative press as a result of the outage, which we believe damaged our customer relationships, reputation and brand. The outage also resulted in substantial financial losses and increased costs largely due to: lost revenues, customer refunds, credits, promotions and/or related payments, and incremental labor and shipping costs. Our insurance policy covered a substantial portion of these losses but not all of them. While we have taken remediation measures in response to the outage, additional outages or other disruptions have occurred and may occur in the future, which could harm our ability to meet customer expectations, fulfill orders, manage our products, and achieve our objectives for operating efficiencies and profitability.

Current wording

We rely heavily on the Internet, computer systems, hardware, in-house proprietary technology, third-party software and infrastructure, and customized off-the-shelf technology solutions across our business (collectively, our “IT Systems”). We own and manage some of these IT Systems but also rely on third parties for a range of IT Systems and related products and services. Our ability to effectively manage all areas of our business, particularly our product management, fulfillment operations, and financial systems, depends significantly on the reliability and capacity of these IT Systems. We are critically dependent on the integrity, connectivity, security and consistent operations of our IT Systems, which are highly dependent on coordination of our internal business, operations, product and engineering teams. For example, in September 2019, we experienced a software outage at our Secaucus, New Jersey facility, during which we were unable to fulfill thousands of Reserve and Subscription orders on a timely basis and made the decision to stop taking new orders until the issue was adequately resolved. We also experienced significant negative customer reviews and negative press as a result of the outage, which we believe damaged our customer relationships, reputation and brand. The outage also resulted in substantial financial losses and increased costs largely due to: lost revenues, customer refunds, credits, promotions and/or related payments, and incremental labor and shipping costs. Our insurance policy covered a substantial portion of these losses but not all of them. While we have taken remediation measures in response to the outage, additional outages or other disruptions have occurred and may occur in the future, which could harm our ability to meet customer expectations, fulfill orders, manage our products, and achieve our objectives for operating efficiencies and profitability.

Previous wording

Our ability to effectively manage our business, particularly our product management, order and fulfillment operations, depends significantly on the reliability and capacity of the Internet and our IT Systems. We also collect, process and store sensitive and confidential information, including our proprietary business information and information regarding our customers, employees, suppliers and business partners, including personally identifiable information (collectively, “Confidential Information”). The secure processing, maintenance and transmission of Confidential Information is critical to our operations. Our IT Systems and those of our service providers and business partners may be subject to damage or interruption from power outages or damages, telecommunications problems, data corruption, software errors, network failures, acts of war or terrorist attacks, fire, flood and natural disasters. Our existing safety systems, data backup, access protection, user management and information technology emergency planning may not be sufficient to identify, detect, prevent, or recover from data corruption or loss or long-term network or operational outages. In addition, we upgrade our existing IT Systems and incorporate new technology systems from time to time in order for such systems to support the needs of our business. Costs and potential problems and interruptions associated with the implementation of new or upgraded systems and technology or with maintenance or adequate support of existing systems could disrupt or reduce the efficiency of our operations. In addition, our failure to implement upgrades to our IT Systems, whether due to cost savings or resource constraints, failure to identify the need or other reasons, could negatively impact our business.

Current wording

Our ability to effectively manage our business, particularly our product management, order and fulfillment operations, and financial systems, depends significantly on the reliability and capacity of the Internet and our IT Systems. We also collect, process and store sensitive and confidential information, including our proprietary business information and information regarding our customers, employees, suppliers and business partners, including personally identifiable information (collectively, “Confidential Information”). The secure processing, maintenance and transmission of Confidential Information is critical to our operations. Our IT Systems and those of our service providers and business partners may be subject to damage or interruption from power outages or damages, telecommunications problems, data corruption, software errors, network failures, acts of war or terrorist attacks, fire, flood and natural disasters. Our existing safety systems, data backup, access protection, user management and information technology emergency planning may not be sufficient to identify, detect, prevent, or recover from data corruption or loss or long-term network or operational outages. In addition, we upgrade our existing IT Systems and incorporate new technology systems from time to time in order for such systems to support the needs of our business. Costs and potential problems and interruptions associated with the implementation of new or upgraded systems and technology or with maintenance or adequate support of existing systems could disrupt or reduce the efficiency of our operations. In addition, our failure to implement upgrades to our IT Systems, whether due to cost savings or resource constraints, failure to identify the need or other reasons, could negatively impact our business.

Previous wording

Additionally, despite various security measures that have been implemented, our IT Systems and those of our third-party service providers and business partners as well as the Confidential Information stored thereon are vulnerable to numerous and evolving cybersecurity risks that threaten their confidentiality, integrity and availability, including security incidents, attacks by diverse threat actors (including hackers, hacktivists, and state-sponsored organizations) acts of vandalism, malware, social engineering, denial or degradation of service attacks, computer viruses, software bugs or vulnerabilities, supply chain attacks, phishing attacks, ransomware attacks, credential stuffing attacks, misplaced or lost data, human errors, malicious insiders or other similar events. If unauthorized parties gain access to our Confidential Information, IT Systems or other information, or those of our third-party service providers or business partners, they may be able to steal, publish, sell, delete, use inappropriately or modify private and sensitive information, including credit card information and personally identifiable information or proprietary business information, any or all of which could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

Additionally, despite various security measures that have been implemented, our IT Systems and those of our third-party service providers and business partners as well as the Confidential Information stored thereon are vulnerable to numerous and evolving cybersecurity risks that threaten their confidentiality, integrity and availability, including security incidents, attacks by a variety of threat actors (including hackers, hacktivists, and state-sponsored organizations) acts of vandalism, malware, social engineering, denial or degradation of service attacks, computer viruses, software bugs or vulnerabilities, supply chain attacks, phishing attacks, ransomware attacks, credential stuffing attacks, misplaced or lost data, human errors, malicious insiders or other similar events. If unauthorized parties gain access to our Confidential Information, IT Systems or other information, or those of our third-party service providers or business partners, they may be able to steal, publish, sell, delete, use inappropriately or modify private and sensitive information, including credit card information and personally identifiable information or proprietary business information, any or all of which could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

We have taken and plan to continue to take actions intended to further reduce our cost structure. For example, in September 2022 and January 2024, we announced restructuring plans intended to reduce costs, streamline our organizational structure and drive operational efficiencies and growth. These plans or other future restructuring plans present significant risks that could have a material adverse effect on our operations, financial condition, results of operations, cash flow, or business reputation. Such risks include:

Current wording

We have taken and plan to continue to take actions intended to drive efficiencies and maintain a cost structure that aligns with our business and financial objectives. For example, in September 2022 and January 2024, we announced restructuring plans intended to reduce costs, streamline our organizational structure and drive operational efficiencies and growth. These plans or other future restructuring plans present significant risks that could have a material adverse effect on our operations, financial condition, results of operations, cash flow, or business reputation. Such risks include:

Previous wording

Environmental, social and governance matters may adversely impact our business and reputation.

Current wording

Scrutiny and evolving expectations from consumers, investors, regulators, policymakers, employees and other stakeholders regarding environmental, social and governance matters may adversely impact our business and reputation.

Previous wording

There has been increased focus, including by consumers, investors, employees and other stakeholders, as well as by governmental and non-governmental organizations, on ESG matters generally and with regard to the fashion industry specifically. We expect that this increased focus on ESG considerations will affect some aspects of our operations. For example, we expect to be subject to various disclosure requirements (such as information on greenhouse gas emissions, climate risks, use of offsets, and emissions reduction claims) from the State of California, among other regulations or requirements. These requirements may not always be uniform across jurisdictions, which may result in increased complexity, and cost, for compliance. Separately, various regulators have adopted, or are considering adopting, regulations on environmental marketing claims, including but not limited to the use of “sustainable”, “eco-friendly”, “recyclable” or similar language in product marketing. Any of the foregoing may require us to make additional investments or incur additional costs for the collection of data and/or preparation of disclosures and associated internal controls, and in turn, may adversely impact our business, operating results and financial condition.

Current wording

There has been heightened and sometimes conflicting stakeholder focus, including by consumers, investors, regulators, policymakers, employees and other stakeholders, on ESG matters generally and with regard to the fashion industry specifically. We expect that this increased focus on ESG considerations will affect some aspects of our operations. This requires continuous monitoring of various and evolving laws, regulations, standards and expectations and any associated reporting requirements. Such laws, regulations, standards and expectations may result in additional costs to us or we may become subject to additional requirements in order to comply with them. These laws, regulations, standards and expectations may conflict with one another or may not always be uniform across jurisdictions, which may result in increased complexity, and cost, for compliance. Separately, various regulators have adopted, or are considering adopting, regulations on environmental marketing claims, including but not limited to the use of “sustainable”, “eco-friendly”, “recyclable” or similar language in product marketing. Any of the foregoing may require us to make additional investments or incur additional costs for the collection of data and/or preparation of disclosures and associated internal controls, and in turn, may adversely impact our business, operating results and financial condition.

Previous wording

Voluntary or required standards and research regarding ESG initiatives could change and become more onerous for both us and our third-party suppliers and vendors to meet successfully. Evolving data and research could undermine or refute our current claims and beliefs that we have made in reliance on current research, which could also result in costs, a decrease in revenue and negative market perception that could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition. Alternatively, if we are unable to satisfy such new criteria, investors may conclude that our policies or actions with respect to corporate responsibility are inadequate. We risk damage to our brand and reputation in the event that our corporate responsibility procedures or standards do not meet the ESG standards set by various constituencies.

Current wording

Voluntary or required standards and research regarding ESG initiatives could change and become more onerous for both us and our third-party suppliers and vendors to meet successfully. Evolving data and research could undermine or refute ESG-related claims that we have made, which could also result in costs, a decrease in revenue and/or negative market perception that could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition.

Previous wording

We believe that our success and future growth depend largely upon the continued services of our senior management team, including our Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer, President and Chair, Jennifer Y. Hyman. From time to time, there have been and may be future changes in our executive management team resulting from the hiring or departure of these executives. Our executive officers are employed on an at-will basis, which means they may terminate their employment with us at any time. The loss of one or more of our executive officers, the failure to appropriately manage executive transitions, or the failure by our executive team to effectively work with our employees and lead our Company, could harm our business. We do not maintain key man life insurance with respect to any member of management or other employee.

Current wording

We believe that our success and future growth depend largely upon the continued services of our senior management team, including our Co-Founder, Chair, Chief Executive Officer and President Jennifer Y. Hyman. From time to time, there have been and may be future changes in our executive management team resulting from the hiring or departure of these executives. Our executive officers are employed on an at-will basis, which means they may terminate their employment with us at any time. The loss of one or more of our executive officers, the failure to appropriately manage executive transitions, or the failure by our executive team to effectively work with our employees and lead our Company, could harm our business. We do not maintain key man life insurance with respect to any member of management or other employee.

Previous wording

In addition, our future success will depend upon our ability to attract and retain employees, particularly for key roles, such as engineering and technology (including product and data science), brand, marketing, buying and planning, and logistics, as well as hourly fulfillment workers and customer service agents. Such efforts have required, and are expected to continue to require significant time, expense, and attention as there is intense competition for such individuals, particularly in New York City, Galway, New Jersey and Texas, and new hires require significant training and time before they achieve full productivity. We may be unable to maintain competitive wage and salary levels, which may increase further due to inflation and potential laws increasing minimum wages. Our inability to maintain competitive wage and salary levels could increase attrition and make recruiting more difficult. Alternatively, we may be required to increase current compensation levels to attract and retain employees, which could negatively impact our profitability goals. In addition, prospective and existing employees often consider the value of the equity awards they may receive in connection with their employment and our stock price has declined significantly since our 2021 IPO. If the perceived value of our equity awards is inadequate or experiences significant volatility, it may adversely affect our ability to recruit and retain key employees. In July 2023, we completed an option exchange designed to incentivize and retain employees, directors and other service providers by providing the ability to exchange outstanding stock options for RSUs, which was approved by stockholders. Additionally, in May 2024, the Board approved the Rent the Runway, Inc. Transaction Bonus Plan, which is intended to incentivize performance of key executives and encourage the realization of a qualifying transaction (as defined in the plan). The option exchange and Transaction Bonus Plan, however, may not have the intended incentivization and retention benefits, particularly in light of our current stock price volatility. Further our continued efforts to optimize our cost structure and organization design has made, and in the future may, make it more difficult to attract and retain employees for key roles.

Current wording

In addition, our future success will depend upon our ability to attract and retain employees, particularly for key roles, such as engineering and technology (including product and data science), brand, marketing, buying and planning, and logistics, as well as hourly fulfillment workers and customer service agents. Such efforts have required, and are expected to continue to require significant time, expense, and attention as there is intense competition for such individuals, particularly in New York City, Galway, New Jersey and Texas, and new hires require significant training and time before they achieve full productivity. We may be unable to maintain competitive wage and salary levels, which may increase further due to inflation and potential laws increasing minimum wages. Our inability to maintain competitive wage and salary levels could increase attrition and make recruiting more difficult. Alternatively, we may be required to increase current compensation levels to attract and retain employees, which could negatively impact our profitability goals. In addition, prospective and existing employees often consider the value of the equity awards they may receive in connection with their employment and our stock price has declined significantly since our 2021 IPO. If the perceived value of our equity awards is inadequate or experiences significant volatility, it may adversely affect our ability to recruit and retain key employees. Although we have implemented different types of programs with a goal of incentivizing our employees, such as a stock option exchange in 2023 and a Transaction Bonus Plan in 2024 that is intended to incentivize performance of key executives and encourage the realization of a qualifying transaction (as defined in the plan), these programs and plans may not have the intended incentivization and retention benefits, particularly in light of our current stock price volatility. Further our continued efforts to optimize our cost structure and organization design has made, and in the future may, make it more difficult to attract and retain employees for key roles.

Previous wording

Our corporate employees primarily worked remotely from March 2020 to April 2022. Since then, we have reopened our offices and moved to a hybrid working model for New York City and Galway. We have continued to shift to a more office-centric model in New York City. If our current model is not aligned with our employees’ preferences, it may adversely affect our ability to recruit and retain employees and may negatively impact our Company culture, collaboration and productivity, and may be something that we need to revisit in the future.

Current wording

We have continued to shift to a more office-centric model in our New York City headquarters for our corporate employees. If our current model is not aligned with our employees’ preferences, it may adversely affect our ability to recruit and retain employees and may negatively impact our Company culture, collaboration and productivity, and may be something that we need to revisit in the future.

Previous wording

We believe that our Company culture has been critical to our success. Our Company culture stands for being entrepreneurial, passionate, kind and positive. Our ability to continue to cultivate and maintain this culture is essential to our growth and continued success. We face a number of challenges that may affect our ability to sustain our corporate culture, including:

Current wording

We believe that our Company culture has been critical to our success. We aim to cultivate and maintain a workplace that is entrepreneurial, passionate, kind and positive, which we believe is essential to our growth and continued success. We face a number of challenges that may affect our ability to sustain our corporate culture, including:

Previous wording

•failure to maintain and/or improve employee morale and engagement in light of our office-centric approach in our New York City headquarters, our prior restructurings, the perception of our business and financial condition, and our continued efforts to ensure a cost-conscious and efficient workforce that supports our growth and profitability goals;

Current wording

•failure to maintain and/or improve employee morale and engagement for a variety of reasons, including, but not limited to, our office-centric approach in our New York City headquarters, our prior restructurings, the perception of our business and financial condition, and our continued efforts to ensure a cost-conscious and efficient workforce that supports our growth and profitability goals;

Previous wording

In particular, we are focused on driving inclusiveness, innovation and stronger business results by attracting a diverse talent pool and continuing to foster an inclusive work environment for all our employees. Although we have adopted policies to promote compliance with laws and regulations as well as to foster a respectful workplace for all employees, our employees may fail to abide by these policies. In addition to damaging our reputation, actual or alleged misconduct could tarnish our culture and reputation, result in negative publicity, affect the confidence of our stockholders, regulators and other parties and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.

Current wording

In particular, we are focused on driving innovation and stronger business results by attracting top talent and continuing to foster an inclusive work environment for all our employees. Although we have adopted policies to promote compliance with laws and regulations as well as to foster a respectful workplace for all employees, our employees may fail to abide by these policies. In addition to damaging our reputation, actual or alleged misconduct could tarnish our culture and reputation, result in negative publicity, affect the confidence of our stockholders, regulators and other parties and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.

Previous wording

Our brand and manufacturing partners may increase their pricing if raw materials, labor, or other costs become more expensive or subject to other pricing pressures. The inputs used to manufacture products are subject to availability constraints and price volatility. In addition, our brand partners may pass the increase in sourcing costs to us through price increases, thereby impacting our margins. For example, if our manufacturing partners increase their costs, our Exclusive Designs may not be as cost-effective to produce, which could negatively impact our ability to meet our financial goals. The fabrics used in our products are made of raw materials including petroleum-based products and cotton. Significant price fluctuations or shortages in petroleum, cotton, or other raw materials could significantly increase our cost of revenue and the cost associated with procuring products via Exclusive Designs. Moreover, in the event of a significant disruption in the supply of the fabrics or raw materials used in the manufacture of the products we offer, such as due to restrictions on Xinjiang cotton, we and/or our partners might not be able to locate alternative suppliers of materials of comparable quality at an acceptable price. For example, disruptions in the supply chain as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent inflationary environment increased raw material costs, impacting pricing of our products, and caused shipping delays for certain of our products.

Current wording

Our brand and manufacturing partners may increase their pricing if raw materials, labor, or other costs become more expensive or subject to other pricing pressures. The inputs used to manufacture products are subject to availability constraints and price volatility. In addition, our brand partners may pass the increase in sourcing costs to us through price increases, thereby impacting our margins. For example, if manufacturers increase their costs, our Exclusive Designs may not be as cost-effective for us or our brand partners to produce, which could negatively impact our ability to meet our financial goals. The fabrics used in our products are made of raw materials including petroleum-based products and cotton. Significant price fluctuations or shortages in petroleum, cotton, or other raw materials could significantly increase our cost of revenue and the cost associated with procuring products via Exclusive Designs. Moreover, in the event of a significant disruption in the price or supply of the fabrics or raw materials used in the manufacture of the products we offer, such as due to changes in global trade policies, tariffs and other measures that could restrict international trade or due to restrictions on Xinjiang cotton, we and/or our partners might not be able to locate alternative suppliers of materials of comparable quality at an acceptable price. In particular, there is significant uncertainty about the future relationship between the United States and other countries with respect to global trade policies, tariffs and treatises. The United States has imposed significant new tariffs on China related to the importation of certain product categories, and other countries may change their business and trade policies in anticipation of or in response to the United States’s increased import tariffs and other changes in U.S. trade policies already enacted or that may be enacted in the future. Disruptions in the supply chain due to a variety of macroeconomic factors and the recent inflationary environment have increased raw material costs, impacted pricing of our products, and caused shipping delays. In addition to the general uncertainty and overall risk from changes in global trade policies, tariffs, treatises and supply chains, as we make business decisions in the face of such uncertainty, we may incorrectly anticipate the outcomes, miss out on business opportunities, or fail to effectively adapt our business strategies and manage the adjustments that are necessary in response to such changes. Any of these developments, or the perception regarding such developments, could increase the costs associated with procuring our rental products, negatively impact our brand partners’ business operations which could in turn negatively impact us, reduce the supply of materials used in the design and manufacture of our rental products; and negatively impact customer demand for our products, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business,…

Excerpt shortened here; the source contains the full paragraph.