retail / Resale & Rental

While resale businesses are booming with a surge of new customers seeking value by shopping used amidst tariff-induced economic uncertainty, it creates more urgency for resale to innovate.

Ralph Lauren, American Eagle Outfitters and Banana Republic are among the retailers that briefly experimented with the concept. The implosion of CaaStle, which provided logistics for many of these services, is the clearest sign yet that rental’s future lies elsewhere.

The former HSN host has built a loyal community – and racked up over $100 million in sales – by turning Instagram Live into a modern-day trunk show. Now, he’s eyeing the next frontier.

Rental platform Nuuly reported an operating income of $13.3 million last year, a major benchmark for a concept that’s long been associated with rapid growth and steep losses.

Thousands of pre-owned Hermès, Chanel and Louis Vuitton accessories will be available for purchase on the retailer’s online marketplace.

Brick-and-mortar shops selling secondhand fashion are thriving in the US, even amid the boom in online players that’s grabbed much of the industry’s attention and investment.

Facing depressed consumer sentiment and a slew of other macroeconomic headwinds this year, the industry was forced to revisit a timeless retail playbook: compelling product, prudent spending and a revival of brick and mortar.

Retail editor Cathaleen Chen and e-commerce correspondent Malique Morris join senior correspondent Sheena Butler-Young and executive editor Brian Baskin to unpack how resale has evolved from niche to mainstream, and what may be in store for the future of secondhand shopping.