This new Dress Hire store is taking the stress out of getting dressed.
When a long stint of maternity leave had Lisa wondering ‘what’s next?’, the longtime Hobart local and retail veteran took a leap and opened her own dress hire shopfront: FTG Dress Hire.
What started as an online experiment around the spring event season quickly blossomed into a city storefront where you can try on beautiful designer dresses and walk out event‑ready.
“I’ve always loved fashion and dresses. During my 20s, I was going out every weekend thinking, ‘Oh my God, I’m spending so much money on dresses’. I would finish work, then run into Supré or Valley Girl and buy a $70 dress just for that night”.
“All my friends and I were like, oh my God, we need a dress higher here!”
Why a physical store (in an online world)?
After years of last‑minute shopping-sprees for an outfit you’ll wear once, Lisa knew she wasn’t the only one who felt the pain of buying something that didn’t quite fit or didn’t arrive in time. A physical shop means peace of mind: try it on, love it, and drop it off after your event.
“That’s why I wanted the physical store, because I could have just done it online, but I think it’s good for people to be able to actually try on items and be 100 per cent happy with it. It’s hard to find these days, as online shopping has really taken over the market.”
There’s even a secure street‑side drop box beside the entrance, returns made easy!
How it works
- Browse & try on: Pop in to try styles and sizes
- Hire length: Choose a 4‑day or 8‑day hire (great if you’re travelling or making a weekend of it).
- Pick up today or book ahead: Book on the online platform (locals can select pick‑up), or take your dress home the same day if you’ve tried in store.
- Ready to wear: Dresses arrive ready to go. No washing or dry cleaning needed.
- Easy returns: Slip it into the provided satchel and pop it in the drop box at the end of your hire.
Cancellations: If plans change 14+ days before your hire date, FTG offers a store credit.
Designer Style, Without the Price Tag
Stocking labels like Aje, Alemais, Bec & Bridge, and Zimmermann. FTG launched with a hand‑picked edit of Australian labels, with around 320 dresses on the racks. The sizing mix is intentionally broad, with multiple sizes in popular styles so more bodies can find a great fit. As pieces gain more love, hire prices are adjusted to reflect wear, so there’s often a bargain to be found.
“It’s been so nice getting to talk to women my age, or who I’ve had on social media, just having conversations with these people that I’m like, ‘Oh my God, I’ve seen your face on socials, but I’ve never met you.’ I’ve had a few girls come in here, hire three or four dresses, and now we speak all the time. It’s like making new friends”.
Why locals love it
FTG has quickly become Hobart’s last‑minute lifesaver, the place people dash to when their Friday‑night or Saturday‑morning outfit panic hits. Lisa even keeps track of who’s heading to which event to avoid any accidental twinning moments. Its central location makes popping in a breeze, with easy parking nearby and a super‑handy drop box for returns.
Why buy a $450–$520 dress you’ll wear once when you can hire something gorgeous for a fraction of the cost? Perfect for weddings, grads, hens, brunches, you name it! Not only is it better for the bank account, but it’s also better for the planet!
FTG? For The Girls!
“It’s actually funny because I was struggling to find a name, then one night I was going to bed, I couldn’t sleep, and I was like, oh, my God – For The Girls. FTG!”
Planning an event look? Swing by the store to try on or book your date via the online platform and select local pick‑up. Returns are a breeze with the street‑side drop box and no‑cleaning policy.