A market shift happening in the way people are clothes shopping: The RealReal CEO Rati Sahi Levesque

Core Insights - The Real Real is experiencing significant momentum in the luxury resale market, with a projected Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) of $2 billion for the first time in its history, indicating a market shift towards resale [2][3] - A notable statistic reveals that 58% of consumers now prefer the secondary market over the primary market, highlighting a change in consumer shopping behavior [3] Company Strategy - The company operates 19 physical locations, which facilitate consignment by reducing friction for consigners and enhancing customer engagement [4][5] - Plans for expansion include opening 1 to 3 new stores annually, while maintaining a digital-first approach [7] Market Dynamics - The total addressable market (TAM) in the U.S. is estimated at $200 billion, representing significant potential for growth in the luxury resale sector [9] - The intersection of luxury and value is driving consumer willingness to spend, particularly on high-value items such as fine jewelry, watches, and handbags [10] Technological Advancements - The Real Real has leveraged technology and AI to streamline the processing of items, improving efficiency and reducing costs per unit [12][13] - The introduction of the AI tool "Athena" has enabled faster item processing, enhancing operational capabilities [13]