Luxury consignment go-to The RealReal has set a high bar when it comes to serious fashion by way of carefully vetted designer duds. Now, with the Palo Alto boutique open, savvy local shoppers can get in on the goods in person.
The RealReal recently opened its fifth brick-andmortar store, in Palo Alto.
While most of the world has spent the past year at home, brick-and-mortar shops have suffered, especially in the Bay Area, where lockdowns in various forms have held steady. But luxury consignment retailer The RealReal is going strong, having recently added a fifth boutique—in Palo Alto—to its portfolio. (There are also shops in New York, L.A., San Francisco and Chicago.)
Male customers in Palo Alto are investing in a variety of bags and sneakers.
“With Palo Alto, we have a strong customer and consigner base, and we saw a significant opportunity to continue growing that base by expanding our Bay Area brick-and-mortar presence,” says Courtney Hawkins, vice president of retail at The RealReal on why the retailer—which does the majority of business via its popular website—chose Silicon Valley for its next boutique location. “Having a store here in Palo Alto will make it more convenient to our local community to engage with us, whether they’re stopping in to shop, meet with our experts, drop off consignments or bring in items for repair.”
Customers can expect a beautiful assortment of luxury goods—many that have never been worn—curated especially for them. “One of the big advantages we have when opening a store is that we have years’ worth of data about our shoppers,” Hawkins explains. “For Palo Alto, we were able to take an informed approach with the opening and curate the merchandise based on the brands and trends we know shoppers in the market love.”
The new Palo Alto boutique features a highly curated mix of clothing, accessories, home decor, beauty items and more.
In addition to clothing and accessories, fine jewelry, watches, home, art and beauty items are on offer. “Everything in the store is for sale, including every piece of furniture and art,” Hawkins adds.
The store also includes two luxury consignment offices, where consigners can meet with experts to authenticate and value their goods. “Retail isn’t just about a transaction anymore; it’s about the experience you offer,” Hawkins says. “Our expert team is a huge part of what sets The RealReal apart from other stores and adds value for our shoppers and consigners.” 379 University Ave.
Local customers are gravitating toward handbags from Chanel, Gucci, Celine and more.
LOCAL FAVORITES
One major thing that sets The RealReal apart from its competitors is its reliance on data. So what’s trending in Silicon Valley? We asked; The RealReal team answered.
LUXURY CLASSICS
Palo Alto customers are investing in timeless pieces from Gucci and Chanel.
CASUAL CHIC
Local clients favor casual dressing: everyday essentials like knitwear, light jackets for layering and practical luxe weekend wear from designers including The Row, Bottega Veneta, Altuzarra, Nanushka and Khaite.
ACCESSORY EDIT
Male customers in Palo Alto are investing in bags (messengers, backpacks and more). Popular picks include the Louis Vuitton Keepall and the Hermès HAC Birkin. Sneakers from Gucci, Golden Goose, Yeezy and more are also big sellers.
BLING RING
Pieces from Tiffany & Co., Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels are resonating with local shoppers.
Photography by: OPENING PHOTO AND BAG PHOTO BY THIBAULT CARTIER; ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF BRAND
