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Kunal Shah - Founder & CEO of CRED
India’s fashion industry, worth $110 Bn (FY25) and growing at 12-15% annually, is seeing big changes.
New business models like quick commerce and fashion rentals are gaining attention as consumers look for convenience, affordability, and sustainability. The debate over which model will dominate is now in focus.
Kunal Shah Highlights Quick Rent vs Quick Commerce
CRED founder Kunal Shah sparked discussions on, with his tweet:“Future of fashion in India maybe quick rent versus quick commerce.”
He points to two trends shaping the market: fast delivery of clothes through quick commerce and renting clothes for special occasions.
Quick commerce gives shoppers instant access to the latest fashion, while rentals offer cost savings and a more sustainable way to wear clothes just once. Kunal Shah’s comment highlights the choices Indian consumers face between convenience and sustainability, especially as younger shoppers and urban women drive adoption.
Quick Commerce and Fashion Rentals in India: Market Trends
India’s quick commerce market, which delivers items in 10-60 minutes, reached $3.34 Bn in FY25 and is expected to grow to $9.95 Bn by 2029 (CAGR 24.4%). Fashion now makes up 8-10% of these orders.
Platforms like Blinkit, Zepto, Swiggy Instamart, and Myntra M-Now focus on party wear, ethnic outfits, and casual clothing. Quick delivery encourages repeat orders, especially in Tier 2/3 cities, with 30-40% repeat rates reported (Redseer, Mobility Foresights, platform announcements).
The fashion rental market is smaller but growing fast. It is valued at $2.1 Bn in 2025 and is projected to reach $6.7 Bn by 2031 (CAGR 21.5%). Rentals are popular for weddings and special events, with prices around 10-15% of the purchase cost.
About 65% of users choose rentals for affordability and variety, and 55% for eco-friendliness. Apps like Flyrobe are even testing 4-hour delivery in metro cities to make renting more convenient.
Consumer behavior shows clear differences. Gen Z prefers quick commerce for trend-driven, low-cost buys, while rentals appeal mostly to urban women for occasion wear. Quick commerce drives volume and instant satisfaction, while rentals help reduce wardrobe clutter and support sustainability.
Shah’s tweet captures a key moment for India’s fashion industry: will the future be fast, instant shopping or conscious, sustainable renting?

