Gucci embraces resale in latest move to win over Gen Z (2024)

On Monday, The RealReal announced a new brand partnership with Gucci, making the brand one of the largest luxury names to officially support the secondary market.

The RealReal curated a Gucci-exclusive shop, which will include used and unused product directly from the brand (some of it from creative director Alessandro Michele’s personal collection) as well as consignors. Notably, Gucci will be consumers not only to consign with The RealReal, but also to buy resale through the brand’s exclusive shop by offering exclusive product and promoting The RealReal’s shop on its social channels, which no other luxury brand has done.The Gucci-provided product and consigned products will be mixed, with no indication as to which is which, in the shop.

It’s the latest example of Gucci’s forward-thinking strategy. Other luxury brands have been loathe to get anywhere close to resale (like Chanel, which has an ongoing lawsuit against The RealReal), as with more mundane concepts like e-commerce and social commerce. But Gucci has spent the last five years experimenting with new ways of connecting with customers, like joining TikTok in February and allowing customers to dress virtual avatars in Gucci via a collaboration with tech company Genies.That strategy has paid off, as Gucci is the No. 1 most popular luxury brand among Gen Z and millennialsin 2020, based on search volume, sales and social media mentions, according to data from Luxe.

“Covid-19 was an abrupt awakening for a lot of brands,” said Allison Sommer, senior director of strategic initiatives at The RealReal. “A lot of brands were forced to confront things and see if they were doing all they could to stay innovative. The pandemic has shown that, even if you’re an incumbent luxury brand at the top of your game, you can’t get complacent or you will get leapfrogged by a competitor. Gucci is an example of a brand that has stayed focused on the future.”

A Gucci executive wasn’t available to comment for this story, but a spokesperson for the company said that a major part of its strategy in the last year has been to focus on younger consumers and, to do that, it’s working to reduce its carbon footprint and embrace new ideas around circularity. The brand has promoted these ideas through podcasts and videos under the Equilibrium banner, which is the hub for all of its sustainability efforts launched in June.

In June the company launched the Off the Grid collection, an ongoing, five-category collection that is made from material scraps collected from across the supply chain of its main collections and sold at a (slight) discount. It also uses Econyl, a regenerated nylon product that Gucci was the first luxury brand to adopt in 2016.

Sustainability is important to Gen Z. Data from the Sustainable Investment Group said 73% of Gen Z said they would pay more for a brand if they knew it was sustainable. On top of that, a rep from The RealReal said the vast majority of the company’s customers are under 35.

Highlighting sustainability and affordability through the Equilibrium project (which has its own Instagram account with more than 20,000 followersis one way Gucci has been scooping up more young consumers. According to data from Gucci, 62% of the brand’s $8 billion in sales in 2019 came from consumers ages 35 and under, and the brand’s fastest-growing segment is consumers 24 and under. Data provided by The RealReal showed that Gucci was the most in-demand brand on the platform for the third year in a row in 2020, based on search volume, sales volume (which was up 19% this year) and resale value — Gucci products typically sell for 2.3-times more than other comparable brands. The 18-34 age bracket is Gucci’s biggest audience on the site.

Meanwhile, Gucci has also collaborated with brands that popular with young people, like the North Face. Notably, when the collaboration was revealed last month, Gucci announced it on the Gen-Z favorite platform TikTok with a video of a flag waving at the top of a mountain with the North Face and Gucci logos on it.

Gucci has suffered during the pandemic, bringing in less than $2 billion in revenue in the first quarter of 2020, where it made more than $2.5 billion in the same period last year. Still, it has remained Kering’s best-performing brand alongside rising star Bottega Veneta.

While Gucci is the latest and biggest brand to get into resale, others like Burberry have worked with The RealReal in the past. Sommer said she hopes that these partnerships, which take the form of both big visible efforts like this one with Gucci and more discreet B2B sales that happen behind the scenes, will continue to grow.

With many of the traditional luxury channels like department stores drying upand retail stores falling out of favor, luxury brands need to start looking to new possibilities to keep afloat.

Resale is a particularly attractive model, allowing brands to offload excess inventory. The RealReal said it’s seen a 46% increase in consignment directly from brands since the pandemic hit. Chanel’s unwillingness to embrace e-commerce, for example, meant that when all of retail was shut down, the only way to buy a Chanel bag was through resale. With Gucci now a supporter of resale, more brands will likely follow suit.

“We’ve talked with many brands over the years, especially brands at Kering,” Sommer said. “It’s only a matter of time until more brands start to realize that resale is a big part of how people will shop going forward.”

  • Gucci embraces resale in latest move to win over Gen Z (1)
  • Gucci embraces resale in latest move to win over Gen Z (2)
  • Gucci embraces resale in latest move to win over Gen Z (3)
Gucci embraces resale in latest move to win over Gen Z (2024)

FAQs

Does Gen Z like Gucci? ›

But Gucci, too, has found favour among Gen-Z, despite its pricey products being out of reach for most young consumers.

Is Gucci losing popularity? ›

Gucci is the hottest brand online, again. Its share of search interest continues to decline, however (from 17.5% in 2020 to 15.2% in 2021 and now 14.8% in 2022).
...
1. Gucci.
Rank change:0
Luxury group:Kering
Brand country:Italy
Founded in:1921
Industry:Luxury fashion
1 more row
Mar 31, 2023

What is Gucci Gen Z slang? ›

As Gen Z slang, it is a simple replacement for “cool” or “good.” When written, “gucci” can be capitalized or all lowercase. EXAMPLE: Person 1: “I got a new car.” Person 2: “Oh, that's gucci.”

What age buys Gucci the most? ›

As a high-end brand, Gucci has a place within the closets of people of all ages, backgrounds, and sexual orientations. However, they have specific groups who purchase their products more than others. These are: Women: These are females aged 25-40 and 40-60 with an eye for quality and style.

What luxury brand is targeting Gen Z? ›

Brands attempting to woo younger consumers is nothing new. Luxury brands like Gucci, Saint Laurent and Louis Vuitton, have previously utilized social media — particularly Instagram — to attract millennials the same way they're doing now with Gen Z.

What luxury brands are popular with Gen Z? ›

TL;DR
  • Gucci remains the top luxury brand Gen Z and Millennials want to own thanks to their effective marketing and unique look.
  • Gen Z are more likely to consider brands like Apple and Nike luxuries that they want to own.
Jan 24, 2023

Who will replace Gucci? ›

Ever since Alessandro Michele's departure in November 2022, the fashion industry had been waiting with bated breath to learn who would replace him as Gucci's creative director. On Saturday 28 January, the luxury fashion house announced that Sabato De Sarno would be taking the top job.

What was the downfall of Gucci? ›

Following Guccio's death in 1953, shares of the business were left to his three biological sons, Vasco, Rodolfo and Aldo. Looming sibling rivalries between the brothers turned into full-on feuds that continued into the next generation, which helped lead to the downfall of the Gucci family in the fashion industry.

Is Gucci still a high end brand? ›

Gucci (/ˈɡuːtʃi/ ( listen), GOO-chee; Italian pronunciation: [ˈɡuttʃi]) is an Italian high-end luxury fashion house based in Florence, Italy.
...
Gucci.
Trade nameGucci
TypeSubsidiary (S.p.A.)
IndustryFashion
Founded1921
FounderGuccio Gucci
8 more rows

Why do millennials love Gucci? ›

Narrator: But why do millennials and teens love Gucci so much? Gucci's founder, Guccio Gucci, originally designed leather goods for the aristocratic upper classes, specializing in horseback-riding gear. As Gucci grew in popularity, it became synonymous with high-class elegance and glamour.

What do Gen Z say instead of cool? ›

Fire. In Gen Z slang term, “fire” means something is really amazing or cool. They also use it to express excitement or point out a new trend within their culture.

What is a bruh in Gen Z slang? ›

Bruh – Further slang for the word Bro but is used as a gender-neutral noun. It is used in an informal way to address a friend. It can also be used to show disgust or shock.

Is Gucci for middle class? ›

Gucci Customer Demographics. Gucci mainly segments customers by age and gender. Those who are rich or (upper) middle class enjoy the lifestyle represented by Gucci.

What is the most bought Gucci item? ›

Revenue share of Gucci worldwide in 2022, by product category
CharacteristicRevenue share
Leather goods52%
Shoes21%
Ready-to-wear15%
Watches and Jewelry5%
1 more row
Feb 24, 2023

Where does Gucci sell the most? ›

Gucci is one of the most valuable luxury good brands in the world. The company has changed ownership on a few occasions and is now part of the Kering Group. Gucci is the most well-known luxury fashion brand in the United States.
...
Global revenue share of Gucci in 2022, by region.
CharacteristicRevenue share
Western Europe22%
North America29%
Asia-Pacific36%
2 more rows
Feb 24, 2023

What brands are Gen Z loyal to? ›

Amazon, Walmart, Target, Dollar Tree and Nike were all ranked among the top 15 favorite brands by Gen Z, according to a survey conducted by research firm Morning Consult of about 2,031 Gen Z adults born between 1997 and 2004.

What brands do Gen Z trust? ›

Top 10 Brands Generation Z Trust Most
  • Oreo.
  • Nike.
  • Hershey's.
  • Kraft Mac & Cheese.
  • Little Debbie.
  • M&M's.
  • Amazon.
  • Under Armor.

What generation buys the most luxury? ›

Younger generations (Y, Z, and Alpha) will become the biggest luxury buyers by far, representing 80 percent of global purchases by 2030. Bain estimates that the market for personal luxury goods surged 22 percent in 2022 to roughly $381 billion.

How does Gen Z afford luxury? ›

As older Gen Zs and younger millennials have their rent and food paid for by their parents, their discretionary spending increases, allowing them to buy up more designer handbags, watches, and jewelry.

Does Gen Z like Chanel? ›

Chanel Is Gen-Z's Most Searched Brand in 2021 | Hypebae.

What luxury items do Gen Z spend on? ›

Gen Z consumers are starting to buy luxury goods — everything from designer handbags and shoes, to watches, jewelry, apparel and beauty products — at age 15, three to five years earlier than millennials did, the report said.

Who is the face of Gucci now? ›

Ryan Gosling being announced as the new face of Gucci is the kind of news we all want to read.

Who is the new face of Gucci? ›

House of Gucci has a new and handsome face, and it is none other than Ryan Gosling. 'The Gray Man' himself is now Italian luxury fashion brand Gucci's new ambassador, and he looks stunning while promoting the Gucci Valigeria travel campaign while wearing outfits from Gucci's Spring 2022 collection.

Why is Gucci designer leaving? ›

Citing “well-placed sources”, the magazine said Michele was quitting after being asked to orchestrate a creative revamp to restore the brand's lustre. The French conglomerate Kering, which owns the Italian house, declined to comment.

What is the controversy of Gucci? ›

Gucci Under Fire With Balenciaga Controversy Comparisons for Ad With Harry Styles, Teddy Bear & Mattress. Gucci is receiving backlash from social media users today for an ad campaign starring Harry Styles. Last week, the brand continued to post photos of Styles on Instagram promoting Gucci's HA HA HA campaign.

What was the big scandal with Gucci? ›

In the 1990s, the infamous socialite was convicted of arranging the assassination of her ex-husband and Gucci fashion house heir, Maurizio Gucci. The scandalous case created the trial of the century in Italy.

What is the scandal of Gucci? ›

From 1991 to 1993, Gucci's finances were in the red. Maurizio Gucci was blamed for spending extravagantly on the company's headquarters in Florence and Milan. He went on to sell his remaining company stock in 1993 for $170 million to Investcorp, ending the Gucci family's association with the company.

Which country is Gucci cheapest? ›

While this may come as a surprise, the United Kingdom (and not Italy) is the cheapest nation to buy Gucci. That said, most of Britain's neighbors on the European continent have pricing that comes pretty close. What is this? Gucci, like many luxury brands, is manufactured in Europe.

Is Louis Vuitton higher end than Gucci? ›

You can see that in most cases, Louis Vuitton is a bit more expensive than Gucci. When it comes to purses, the cost of a luxury item made by the French fashion house can actually be astronomical. However, there's always an opportunity to purchase the desired item cheaper at consignment stores.

Is there a brand more expensive than Gucci? ›

Hermès. Hermès is a French fashion house that is well-known for its luxurious clothing, handbags, and accessories. These stylish items are made with high-quality materials and craftsmanship.

What type of people wear Gucci? ›

Teens and millennials love Gucci. In the first three quarters of 2017, around 55 per cent of Gucci's sales were made to consumers younger than 35, according to a report by consultancy firm Bain & Company last October.

What fashion means to Gen Z? ›

For Gen-Zers, fashion is less about being trendy or denoting status. Keeping up with fads has become more difficult than ever, as social media has accelerated trend formation.

What fashion does Gen Z like? ›

Gen Z is a lot more conscious of where their clothes are coming from. When they're choosing between brands, they want to know not only if the clothes are in style, but also if the brand stands for something bigger than itself. Clothing brands that offer unisex or gender-fluid clothing are all the rage.

What is a weird slang from Gen Z? ›

Gen Z slang explained
  • Glow-up: Think of this term as a way of describing how someone improved from where they used to be.
  • Slay: This word means to do something well or to do a good job.
  • Bet: Bet is a way of saying “yes” or “o*k” or “it's on.”
  • Vibing: Gen Z is big on vibes.
Dec 12, 2022

What is the Gen Z word for embarrassing? ›

Cringy. For once this actually does mean what the root word implies, but Gen Z kids these days use it to describe anything that's embarrassing or try-hard. The Gen Z spelling has no time for that extra 'e' in cringey.

What is uncool in Gen Z slang? ›

cheugy. Are you cool or are you cheugy? This word, used to describe “uncool” things that are either out of style or trying too hard to be in style, is believed to have been coined in 2013.

What is the Gen Z word for family? ›

1. Fam. Fam is a shorter word for family, but don't be fooled– it can be used to describe your friends or the way Millennials use "bro".

How does Gen Z say goodbye? ›

Instead, Gen Z'ers are taking on a more casual and carefree approach to ending an email. That means that traditional closers of "Sincerely," "Thanks," "Warm regards" and "Best wishes" are out of the question. Instead, they are using closers like "Yours unfaithfully," "Bless up" or "Cold regards," to name just a few.

Who wears Gucci bags? ›

There's an ever-growing list of celebrity fans just like Lipa, from Cate Blanchett to Sienna Miller to Jodie Turner-Smith and Harry Styles. And of course, campaign star Dakota Johnson has been carrying the minimalist bag with its piston clasp nearly everywhere.

Why do the poor buy luxury items? ›

And people living in low-income neighborhoods–the ones who are relatively well-off compared to their neighbors–are nevertheless worried that they'll be misperceived as resource-poor. So they purchase expensive and conspicuous goods, to make sure their resources are visible to outsiders.

Is Gucci an upper class? ›

Gucci is an Italian fashion brand founded in 1921 by Guccio Gucci, making it one of the oldest Italian fashion brands in operation today. Like many historic fashion houses, the brand started out as a luggage manufacturer, producing luxury travel goods for Italy's wealthy upper-classes, as well as equestrian equipment.

Who is the biggest competitor of Gucci? ›

Gucci's competitors and similar companies include Prada, CHANEL, Christian Dior and Armani. Gucci is a luxury fashion brand, manufacturing and distributing leather goods, shoes, ready-to-wear, silks, timepieces and fine jewelry.

Which is the most recognizable Gucci bag? ›

The current iteration of the iconic bag, now dubbed the Gucci Bamboo 1947, has changed little since its inception. Wonderfully logo-free, polished but not prissy, the bag comes in medium, small, and mini sizes in a variety of polished leather, canvas monogram, and exotic skins.

Why did Gucci get so popular? ›

Guccio knew well what materials would be chosen for his products, and how they would be combined to make an item even more attractive to customers. The collection of his leather bags was magnificent, sales were high, and the brand eventually became famous.

Where is the largest Gucci store in the US? ›

World's Largest Gucci Store: Gucci New York Fifth Avenue Flagship.

What percentage of Gucci customers are black? ›

Race Distribution At Gucci
RacePercentages
Hispanic or Latino23.6%
Asian11.8%
Black or African American10.1%
Unknown5.6%
1 more row
Feb 6, 2023

Does Gucci use real leather? ›

As we have already mentioned, Gucci is one of the most prestigious luxury brands in the world, which means that all its items, including bags, are made with excellent quality materials. The bags of this brand are made with authentic and high quality leather.

Do Gen Z like luxury? ›

Gen Z consumers are starting to buy luxury goods — everything from designer handbags and shoes, to watches, jewelry, apparel and beauty products — at age 15, three to five years earlier than millennials did, the report said.

What styles do Gen Z like? ›

More On: gen z

However, some fashion blasts from the past are back in style again according to Gen Z. This list includes skinny baguette handbags and platform shoes from the early '90s, biker shorts from the 80's, crew necks from the 60's, and even pearl necklaces from the '20s.

What is Gen Z wearing in 2023? ›

'In 2023, Gen Z and Millennials will romanticise their wardrobes with slip dresses, tube tops, cargos and claw clips,' says Pinterest. 'Get ready for a new kind of meet-cute, inspired by your favourite romantic comedies from the 2000s. 'Y2K fashion has been trending for a while.

What does Gen Z find attractive? ›

Marketing consultant Nancy Nessel explains that Gen Z defines beauty as “being yourself”, telling Vogue: “Gen Z demands and appreciates each individual as their most authentic self.” It's this attitude that prompts companies to launch campaigns such as Project Body Hair.

What color does Gen Z like most? ›

Like Millennial Pink, Gen Z colors favor the eye-popping Cyber Lime (forecasted to be big in 2024) and Digital Lavender, also aligned with inclusivity. “[Cyber Lime] can speak to all, which Gen Z is very sensitive to,” said Guilbert.

What does Gen Z value most? ›

Stability and balance. Gen Z workers value stability in their work, which makes sense, considering Gen Zers were children or teenagers at the height of the Great Recession in 2008. More than half of Gen Z workers would quit a job if it was preventing them from enjoying life.

Who does Gen Z trust the most? ›

Reason #3: Gen Z trusts influencers and content creators more. Because many Gen Z consumers feel closer to influencers, having a lot in common with them, they trust them.

Where is Gen Z buying their clothes? ›

Gen Z moves to fast-fashion, online-only retailers

Recent analysis of Gen Z user data from social product recommendation platform Gist shows that, on Gist, Shein is number one in apparel stores, followed by Zara.

What shoes do Gen Z wear? ›

Nike is consistently named as “Gen Z's favourite brand”, according to the latest survey of over 14,000 US teens from research firm Piper Sandler. Sixty per cent of teens say Nike as their favourite footwear brand, versus 6 per cent for Adidas.

Why do Gen Z wear baggy clothes? ›

UK celebrity stylist Miranda Holder, who founded The Feel Good Fashion Coach, told FEMAIL believes the rise in 'oversized and rather shapeless' garments is because the younger generation are moving into a 'woke' era of fashion and don't want to be associated with brands who make clothes for specifically 'men or women'.

Who does Gen Z like celebrities? ›

Gen Z favors actors known for superhero roles and content creators known for gaming, stunts. Overall, Gen Zers reported higher favorability ratings toward actors than creators.

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