An independent Warwick boutique known for redefining occasionwear through its unique hybrid of rental and retail fashion, has announced that it will close its store at the start of next year (2026).

Diffuse Retail, on Smith Street in the town is set to close its doors at the end of January 2026.

The closure marks the beginning of a brand reset as founder Hannah Teale steps back to reassess the long-term future of the business.

To celebrate the achievements of the past two years, and to thank the local community for their support, Diffuse has launched a Wardrobe Reset Sale, offering up to 60 percent off all purchased occasionwear throughout December and January.

A Bold Concept That Made a Big Impact

Since opening its doors in late 2023, Diffuse Retail quickly established itself as one of Warwick's most innovative independent fashion businesses.

The store earned recognition for:

• Introducing a unique rent-or-buy model, giving customers sustainable, affordable alternatives to fast fashion

• Supporting over 300+ local women with styling, event dressing, and special occasion looks

• Launching Rent My Wardrobe, a community-led programme that allowed women to earn from their own occasionwear collections

• Being selected as one of the UK's "SmallBiz100" in 2025 - a national honour celebrating entrepreneurial excellence

• Representing Warwick's independent retail scene at both the House of Lords and 11 Downing Street

• Becoming a go-to destination for proms, weddings, races and celebrations across the region.

Founder Hannah Teale said: "The last two years have been an incredible journey; full of joy, ambition, challenges and community. This pause isn't a goodbye. It's a moment to step back, look honestly at what I've built, and consider what Diffuse could become next.

"I'm so proud of how far the brand has come and deeply grateful for the people who have supported it."

Diffuse Retail is owned by former marketing executive Hannah Teale (image supplied)

Why the Closure and What Comes Next?

Like many independent retailers, Diffuse has felt the impact of an increasingly tough trading environment. Combined with Hannah's personal need to prioritise her health and family, the time felt right for a brand reset.

Hannah said: "I've learned so much as a first-time business owner, and the concept has proven itself - customers love the flexibility of rental and the joy of finding something special. This reset simply gives me the space to reflect, refine the model, and explore what the next evolution of Diffuse looks like."

While the physical store will close on 31 January 2026, Hannah emphasised: "Diffuse is not disappearing, it's just taking a breath."

Wardrobe Reset Sale: Up to 60 percent Off

To mark the transition and allow customers to shop their favourite styles one last time, Diffuse is hosting a Wardrobe Reset Sale in-store only:

• Up to 60 percent off all purchased occasionwear
• Throughout December 2025 to January 2026
• No restocks; once the pieces are gone, they're gone
• The sale includes formalwear, partywear, race-day looks, accessories and one-of-a-kind archive pieces.
• A Thank You to the Community

Hannah added: "Warwick has wrapped Diffuse in kindness since the day it opened. I've met the most incredible women, shared in their life moments, and watched this town champion independent retail in a way that's truly special. I'm proud of what we built together."

Final Store Opening Dates

The store will remain open on selected days throughout December and January, with final trading day confirmed as Saturday 31 January 2026.

To mark the transition and allow customers to shop their favourite styles one last time, Diffuse is hosting a Wardrobe Reset Sale in-store only (image supplied)