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Knox Street redo in Dallas includes The RealReal luxury consignment store

The RealReal, which opens Thursday, reflects the lifestyle that Knox District landlords are trying to capture at one of Dallas’ oldest shopping and entertainment districts.

The RealReal is the latest new store on Knox Street and the first resale shop, but don’t confuse it with a thrift shop.

The RealReal, which opens Thursday, expects to be a destination not only for bargain and vintage luxury shoppers but also for people ready to sell their designer goods.

“We know there’s already strong demand and brand awareness in the local market,” said Courtney Hawkins, vice president of retail at The RealReal.

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The RealReal is the first store coming in under plans being put together by Texas investors who have acquired about 70% of the Knox District. The group includes Michael Dell’s family investment arm and the Dallas-based real estate firms The Retail Connection and Trammell Crow Co.

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Knox Street is in the midst of a big refresh with two big construction projects in the works, a new Restoration Hardware and a new Weir’s Furniture store and office tower.

Other landlords in the Knox District are also leasing space to new stores, including Dallas-based Hari Mari, and they’re joining a mix of stores that arrived about 20 years ago. The last time the Knox District grabbed the attention of retailers seeking street retail as opposed to malls, the likes of Apple, Crate & Barrel and Pottery Barn moved in.

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“We’re looking for cool brands that fit the neighborhood like The RealReal, which is a trending lifestyle brand,” said Stephen Summers, who is working on leasing and plans with the owners. There are spaces available now, one next to Lululemon and another on Cole Avenue in the building with Trader Joe’s. Other new and existing spaces are planned, he said, including in the area around the Katy Trail.

Kyle Kidder, head of stores at The RealReal, said that the Knox District is “where our local customers are already shopping, dining and socializing” and that the store is being stocked with merchandise that’s a reflection of the local lifestyle.

“With such an increasing Gen Z and millennial base in Dallas, we see significant demand for resale,” said Sasha Skoda, head of women’s at The RealReal. The Dallas store is The RealReal’s second store in Texas, after the one that opened recently in Austin. But the company has had a consignment office in Dallas for a few years.

The RealReal resells luxury women's and men's apparel, handbags, shoes, sneakers,...
The RealReal resells luxury women's and men's apparel, handbags, shoes, sneakers, accessories, jewelry, watches and art.

The free-standing 1,760-square-foot Knox Street store will sell women’s and men’s apparel, handbags, accessories, shoes, sneakers, jewelry and art. Brands include Brunello Cucinelli, Isabel Marant, Burberry, Celine + Valentino, Fendi, Gucci and Prada.

The store has two consignment offices where customers can take their luxury goods for consignment. Shoppers will be able to buy online and pick up the same day in the store, including with curbside fulfillment.

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Everything in the store is for sale, including the furniture and décor.

For men, the retailer expects the Dallas shopper will skew traditional, favoring designers such as Hermès, Tom Ford and Brunello Cucinelli, with bags, shoes and accessories from Gucci and Louis Vuitton.

The RealReal is betting that Dallas women will seek out timeless items, from Saint Laurent handbags to whimsical printed Zimmerman dresses and vintage Gucci.

The retailer, which says it’s the world’s largest online marketplace for reselling luxury goods, said 35% of its new consignors in 2020 were Gen Z and millennials. For first-timers and others who want to sell to The RealReal, Skoda has some hints.

“Dallas consignors can capture top dollar by selling luxe handbags — think Goyard and Louis Vuitton — and spring essentials as they enter peak season,” she said. “Plus, strong demand for vintage translates to strong resale value — we saw vintage sales increase 67% last year, making it an excellent option for earning more as we head into summer.”

Twitter: @MariaHalkias

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