Today, there are two major trends that are positively affecting the luxury resale market. One trend is the increase of people who want to buy luxury goods for less. Since designers cannot mark their products down too much, many people are more than willing to purchase pre-owned goods. The stigma that once surrounded second-hand items has been obliterated, and people today openly boast about finding good deals on clothing, shoes and jewelry that are pre-owned. The second trend is the increase in demand for vintage items. Even some things that may not qualify as vintage in terms of its definition are highly coveted. Perhaps someone wants a designer necklace that does not just look like it is from the 1970s but actually is from that era. Another person may like a specific wedding dress from just a few seasons ago. Consignment second-hand luxury boutique The RealReal recently realized how much these trends are also affecting bridal shopping choices among consumers.
The RealReal’s Second-hand Luxury Bridal Shopping Trends
When people sign up for an online account with The RealReal, they can save items that they like if they want to view them again later or buy them. The system also notifies users if a price changes on a monitored item. According to The RealReal’s user statistics, engagement rings recently went from being 43rd on the list of most-saved products to just seventh. Since 2018, the number of searches for engagement rings has doubled. For wedding dress searches, the volume increased by more than 40 percent during that same period. While part of this growth is related to the company’s increasing popularity, it is also due to the rising trends of people wanting vintage items and wanting luxury retail goods for less money.
Another trend that The RealReal reported was the increase in women shopping for engagement rings. In the past, the tradition of the groom picking out an engagement ring as a surprise was common. Today, more women want to either be a part of every step of the process or want to pick out their rings on their own. Another trend that is boosting the RealReal’s sales is sustainability. According to a representative from The RealReal, people who are conscientious about promoting sustainability in every aspect of life appreciate that buying second-hand items may be reducing waste and may also be reducing the demand for natural substances. Since engagement rings are often made from diamonds and precious metals, this means a reduction of mining demand. Additionally, celebrities who have flaunted their vintage engagement rings in recent months have inspired more people to choose second-hand rings.
Wedding Shopping Season Is Here
In decades past, June was the most popular month for weddings for a variety of reasons from superstitions about the Roman goddess of marriage to not having babies during the harvest season. Today, people get married during all days of the week and all months of the year. In 2018, the 10 most popular wedding dates fell in September and October, which means that now is one of the busiest times for bridal shopping. Most brides-to-be have their plans in order, their invitations are sent and they are getting ready to pick their wedding attire.
The RealReal Offers Luxury Wedding Attire and Jewelry
Although there are several fair-trade formal brands in existence, it can be difficult and expensive to buy from them. Couples who either want to promote sustainability or save money with second-hand luxury wedding attire can achieve their goals with the help of The RealReal. The company’s website features each of the garments that are showcased in one of its two stores in New York City and Los Angeles. While couples can save items that they like to consider later or to wait for a price drop, any item can disappear quickly. This is one of the most thrilling aspects of luxury consignment shopping to some people. An item may be the only one of its kind in stock and may never be available again for that price or in that size.
The RealReal has been trying to consign more second-hand designer engagement rings to keep up with the increased demand. There are a variety of sizes, styles, cuts and labels to consider. In some cases, lucky couples who are watching a ring and considering it may get a notification that the price has dropped slightly. There are also plenty of choices for wedding jewelry pieces such as diamond and pearl earrings, necklaces or bracelets. The RealReal stocks accessories for the wedding day as well with options such as hair clips, clutches, shoes and more. Men who are looking for gifts for their brides-to-be often choose wedding day jewelry. Since brides can create wish lists on their user accounts, shopping is made easier for their partners.
Brides can find a variety of vintage or last-season wedding gowns from popular designers for a fraction of their original value. Also, there are formal designer suits and tuxedos for men. Although it may not be possible to pick matching attire for the wedding party in the right sizes, couples can likely find coordinating colors or similar styles. Another idea that some couples use if they choose to be sustainable with pre-owned clothing is to pick completely different items that match each wedding party member’s individual style. When couples think beyond common traditions, they can find their own creative ways to make their special day unique, and The RealReal welcomes such shoppers to come search for inspiration.
Dil Bole Oberoi
