Bloomberg Talks The RealReal CEO Talks Luxury Brands and Consumers
Dec 24, 2025
Rati Sahi Levesque, CEO of The RealReal, leads the world’s largest authenticated luxury resale marketplace. She discusses the resilience of luxury buyers amidst changing tariffs and the growing appeal of fine jewelry and watches. Rati highlights how price increases in primary markets boost resale value and exemplifies the circular trade-up economy. She also emphasizes the importance of competitive pricing algorithms and unique inventory that sets The RealReal apart from niche competitors, alongside the strategic role of retail stores in driving consignments.
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Resale Is Mainstream And Resilient
- Resale is becoming mainstream, led by Gen Z and millennials who prefer secondary markets.
- Fine jewelry, watches and handbags show particularly strong demand and resilience.
Huge Untapped Supply In Closets
- A huge amount of luxury value sits unused in U.S. closets, creating a large supply opportunity.
- The RealReal sees double-digit seller growth as newcomers consign and check secondary prices before buying new.
Primary Prices Drive Secondary Prices
- Primary-market price increases push secondary prices higher, reinforcing resale value.
- The RealReal observes a circular economy: buyers trade up, then consign items back into resale.