In a nutshell
Luxury second-hand goods (clothing, jewellery, objets, curated and displayed in an aspirational townhouse venue.
In their words
"We’re empowering consignors and buyers to extend the life cycle of luxury goods.
The future of fashion is circular."
Visit Field notes
Powered by slick online marketplace capabilities the store has a life of its own. The changing, curated stock gives a boutique, emporium feel - not a rag-tag bazaar or pawn shop!! One can bring in goods for appraisal (to sell or exchange and for active traders the cost of luxury becomes but the switching and transaction costs. Note the variety of clientelle, the staff knowledge and welcome - this is a format that has a vibrancy about it.
This store has been featured on our must-see list for several years and in that time we've seen it mature while retaining its essence and promise. Over time we've seen a remerchandising of the mats, focus areas on products, brands and occasions, and some changes to the store layout (the new hanging racks that pull out from the wall add density and experience).
The RealReal was a pioneer in the luxury re-sale market and the longevity is a testament to the idea and execution.
Other Reading
LAST VISITED
20/11/2024
Added
2019
COMPARE WITH
Eyewear brand whose stores are like art popups. Consistently collaborative (on projects, co-brands, celebrities and artists), the brand produced prescription and sunglass styles that are not repeated.
Veteran DNVB's showcase store still delivers a combination of product delight, swagger, fun and welcome.
A flagship, cartoon-like store, featuring tinned Portuguese sardines. The decor is Phileas Fogg meets Circus, and the inescapable reality of canned fish is dressed up as a humorous, gifting experience...
Long-established store exemplifies the Patagonia mix of clothing, staff passion, activism and community activity, with sustainability credentials in a heritage, stripped-back store.
Similar shops
A dedicated womenswear store in a walnut and pink corner plot, extending 'Kith village' (Lafayette, Bleecker, now Broadway), and adding flower shop and cafe.
The recent refurb expands the store into a gentlemen's-club-vibe location for this near decade-old Queens brand. Their zeitgeist-fuelled take on the 1990s goes from the street to Bill Clinton.
A warm glowing Federal-style corner plot that oozes Provencal light onto a prestigious corner plot. A minimal home-meets-museum for this stripped back spectacle in French stone and light.
Stylish, recently-expanded store to highlight the On running range, with an extended selection of clothing. Hidden gait analysis and the 'magic wall' that reveals all sizes. Enormous window frontage.
Aspirational furniture and interior design at the hotel-meets-oligarch level! Lovely building, rooftop cafe and views.
Casually expensive clothing, with a cool-girl vibe (American Womenswear Designer of the Year 2022, the brand has a direct confidence that is mirrored in the robust, stark yet luxurious flagship store.
