Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.

The RealReal’s Plan to Capitalise on the Luxury Resale Boom

With more shoppers priced out by luxury’s rising costs turning to secondhand goods, CEO Rati Sahi Levesque opens up in the BoF-McKinsey State of Fashion 2026 about how the resale player is welcoming them with open arms.

President and CEO Rati Sahi Levesque discusses the company’s strategy for continuing its winning streak. — The RealReal CEO Rati Sahi Levesque discusses the company’s strategy for continuing its winning streak. (The RealReal)

Malique Morris

12 January 2026

BoF PROFESSIONAL

For most of its 14 years in business, The RealReal was yet another money-losing online retailer with a growth-at-all-costs mentality, despite being a pioneer in luxury resale. In the past year, the company has turned profitable, with its adjusted EBITDA jumping 83 percent year on year in 2024 to $9 million.

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The State of Fashion 2026: When the Rules Change

The 10th annual State of Fashion report by McKinsey & Company and BoF Insights, The Business of Fashion’s data and advisory team, reveals how changes in trade, technology and consumer behaviour will challenge businesses in 2026. Download the full report to understand the 10 themes that will shape the industry and opportunities for growth in the year ahead.

Fashion Brands Are Missing Out on the Resale Opportunity

As secondhand sales soar, brands are finding reselling their own items is an increasingly attractive proposition even as operational hurdles remain, according to the BoF-McKinsey State of Fashion 2026.

About the author

Malique Morris

Malique Morris is Senior E-Commerce Correspondent at The Business of Fashion. He is based in New York and covers digital-native brands and shifts in the online shopping industry.

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