Thanks to the internet, we're all just a swipe and scroll away from scoring a designer piece without wondering if the source is legit. (You know you'll be raising an eyebrow or two if the e-shop's name is "high quality designer handbags dot com.") Sites like The RealReal have revolutionized the luxury consignment game, and soon, label lovers will be able to see and touch its goods IRL when the online buying and selling platform opens its first West Coast boutique on Melrose Avenue on Thursday, July 26.
Landing at the majorly renovated development at La Cienega and Melrose (RIP, pink and black-and-white striped façade), TRR tells us that the 12,000-square-foot shop is double the size of its SoHo store and will stock authenticated clothing, bags, jewelry, and accessories from luxury fashion houses like Chanel, Hermès, Cartier, and Rolex. In addition to housing a 1,500-square-foot handbag vault dedicated to Birkin and Chanel bags (to name just a few), the shop will also be home to the retailer's first stand-alone men's store. Guests can also enlist a personal shopper to pull pieces that suit their stylish tastes or select items priced at $2K and up from TRR's site to see live and in person.
Looking to let go of your pre-loved treasures — or just want to know their worth? The store also offers free on-site expert valuations and consignment drop-offs and curbside pick-up: A gemologist can evaluate your watches and fine jewelry, while TRR's handbag gurus will appraise your high-end carryalls. Per the store's website, the space will also offer "watch sizing and repair, handbag reconditioning, jewelry cleaning, and more".
That's not all: CaféCafé will be in the house serving up Sightglass coffee, while the shop's outdoor patio will offer an alfresco hangout area (complete with free wifi.) Sneakerheads and timepiece collectors will also be happy to know that the store will also offer "a watch and whiskey bar [and] a rare sneaker installation."
The Melrose outpost joins the consignment service's valuation office at Westfield Century City, which opened in 2016; its first permanent brick-and-mortar space opened in New York last November. Founded in 2011 by Julie Wainwright, The RealReal has become the go-to secondhand luxury shopping platform and brought home $500 million last year.
But the real question is will the shop stock Dior's O.G. saddle bags? In any case, stay tuned for more.
The RealReal will be open Monday through Saturday from 10am to 8pm and Sunday from 11am to 7pm.
Update 7/23: This post has been updated with additional details about the store and services provided by The RealReal.
The Real Real
8500 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90069
