Loyal customer becomes new owner of beloved fashion rental service Happy Days

There’s power in community, and nowhere is that more evident than in the story of Happy Days, the popular Irish fashion rental service. 

At the end of June, owner Rachel Hennesy announced that, after four years of building her business, she was faced with the difficult decision to close both the online and physical shop for personal reasons. The news was met with an outpouring of sadness, as the Leopardstown store had become a cherished destination for women in the community and beyond, offering outfits that helped them feel confident, look amazing and embrace sustainability.

Yet, even as the news spread, Hennesy clung to the hope that someone would step in to take the reins and keep the Happy Days story alive. And someone did.

Enter Ruth McLoughlin – accountant, mother of three and longtime Happy Days customer. Together with her husband, Ruth decided to buy the business and ensure the store remained a cherished local institution.

“I live close to the shop, and when I saw the original post about the closure, I was devastated,” Ruth says. “I was on holiday with my husband and almost cried when I told him that Happy Days was closing. All of my friends were panicking, wondering what they would do for future events. I turned to my husband and said, ‘We should try to buy it.’ He agreed, and I reached out to Rachel immediately. It was almost a need to see it continue, it’s such a jewel in our area.”

Understandably, Rachel was ecstatic, especially since Ruth was familiar with the business. “We met a few times over the summer to discuss plans, and I just knew she was the right person,” she explains. “She’s local, she knows the store inside out, she knows the power of it and how good it can make women feel. I think it was also time to bring fresh eyes in, a fresh look at numbers and a new energy. Ruth and her husband have so many plans already. They can look at the big picture. They can bring it to the next level.”

As a sustainability advocate, Ruth was inspired by Happy Days’ ethos, though her personal experience as a customer also influenced her decision to take over the business. “I have had three kids,” she explains. “My body shape is different now. Being able to walk into the shop, try on the clothes, and receive such wonderful help and encouragement from the staff was an incredible experience. Then there were years when I had a number of weddings all at once, and I could go out and try to source a dress, but that’s difficult for me as a mom with kids, and timing is tricky. 

“So it’s the sustainability, the ease of use, and the friendliness. It’s part of the community here. It’s just a really nice place to spend time. There’s no pressure and there are no appointments, and no obligations to buy anything. You’re doing something good, but also getting a really great bargain. Honestly, the most compliments I’ve ever gotten at weddings have been on Happy Days dresses.”

Throughout this transition of ownership, Rachel will remain on in a consulting capacity and describes the farewell as bittersweet. 

“I’m really excited and so happy that someone’s taking over, and it’s not just closing because that would have felt so sad,” she says. “I’m thrilled. Even for me, I still have weddings and events to attend, so I’m delighted I’ll be able to rent my outfits. 

“When we posted the news on Instagram, the reception was amazing. Some of the comments were so lovely that I thought, ‘This is really the best decision we could have made.’ Everyone is excited about the reopening, and I’m really buzzing. When we finalised the sale, I literally had a pep in my step. I knew this was the right move.”

And so, as the new owners step in, what excites Ruth the most, and what scares her, as she takes on this new role?

“Honestly, I’m most excited for Happy Days to just continue existing,” she says. “This was never about me wanting to own a business because I have a job and three kids, but something was screaming in me that I couldn’t let it go, and I’m thrilled that it will still be there and that everyone else will continue to have access to it. However, I do feel a little pressure to do the business justice and maintain that standard. Rachel is Happy Days, and she has done an amazing job. Everything she sourced was so good, but I’m mainly excited. 

“I’m delighted we can keep it a hub of the community. The future for Happy Days is most definitely bright.”

Happy Days will reopen on September 12.