RealReal

RealReal, officially The RealReal, Inc., is a United States–based online and brick-and-mortar marketplace for authenticated luxury consignment. The platform enables individuals to consign and buy high-end fashion, jewelry, watches, home decor, and art, with items authenticated by in-house specialists before listing for sale. Founded in 2011 by Julie Wainwright, the company is headquartered in San Francisco and operates across North America, with retail stores in major cities such as New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, alongside its online storefront.

Business model: consignors deliver items to The RealReal, which handles authentication, photography, cataloging, shipping, and sales. The company earns revenue primarily through commissions on sales and related services. By providing authentication and a trusted marketplace, The RealReal aims to reduce counterfeit risk for buyers and create a streamlined selling channel for consignors.

Market position: The RealReal is a leading player in the luxury resale sector and competes with Vestiaire Collective, Poshmark, and other resale platforms as well as traditional auction houses. The company has expanded beyond fashion into jewelry, watches, home goods, and art, and has pursued growth via store openings, partnerships, and scale in authentication and logistics.

Regulatory and corporate notes: The RealReal went public in June 2019, listing on the Nasdaq under the ticker REAL. Sustainability and circular economy themes are commonly cited in its mission, with the company highlighting the environmental benefits of secondhand luxury shopping.