Fashion / news

Gen Z Luxury Shoppers Turn to Resale Before Buying New, Says RealReal CEO

Younger consumers are price-checking pre-owned luxury goods to estimate future value before purchasing new items, according to Rati Sahi Levesque, CEO of The RealReal.

The trend is reshaping how younger buyers approach luxury purchases. Rather than simply buying a new handbag or watch, they are first scanning resale platforms to understand how the item might hold its value over time.

Rati Sahi Levesque, CEO of the online consignment marketplace The RealReal, said the behavior is particularly pronounced among Gen Z consumers. The practice applies across handbags, jewelry, and apparel, she noted.

By checking what similar items sell for on the secondary market, these shoppers can gauge the future potential worth of a new purchase before committing to it. The insight highlights the growing influence of resale platforms in the broader luxury market, as younger consumers factor in longevity and resale potential as part of their buying decisions.