The RealReal
Discover pre-owned luxury fashion and accessories from top designers at The RealReal, a premier online and in-store consignment destination.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more selection
The RealReal
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more selection
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover pre-owned luxury fashion and accessories from top designers at The RealReal, a premier online and in-store consignment destination.
"Score coveted designer pieces, but be wary of authenticity concerns and potential consignment headaches."
Double-check authenticity
Be cautious with high-value items; research thoroughly and be aware of potential fakes.
Inspect items carefully
Check for wear, damage, and authenticity markers before purchasing.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Designer Handbags
SoHo and Upper East Side Stores
Score coveted Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Hermès bags at a fraction of the original price.
Luxury Clothing Racks
SoHo Store
Discover curated selections of designer clothing, from everyday wear to special occasion pieces.
Unique Vintage Finds
All Stores
Unearth one-of-a-kind vintage treasures and sustainable fashion gems.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Authenticity Concerns
Consignment Hassles
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Double-check authenticity
Be cautious with high-value items; research thoroughly and be aware of potential fakes.
Inspect items carefully
Check for wear, damage, and authenticity markers before purchasing.
Ask for sales associates
Helpful staff can guide you to great finds and provide assistance.
Consignment can be tricky
Be prepared for potential issues with lost items or authentication disputes.
Tips
from all over the internet
Double-check authenticity
Be cautious with high-value items; research thoroughly and be aware of potential fakes.
Inspect items carefully
Check for wear, damage, and authenticity markers before purchasing.
Ask for sales associates
Helpful staff can guide you to great finds and provide assistance.
Consignment can be tricky
Be prepared for potential issues with lost items or authentication disputes.
Shop the SoHo store
This location is frequently highlighted for its extensive selection. +2
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The RealReal offers a compelling opportunity to acquire luxury goods at reduced prices, with many shoppers delighted by their finds, particularly designer handbags and clothing. However, significant concerns exist regarding the authenticity of items, with some customers reporting receiving counterfeits and facing difficulties with returns and customer service. Consignors also report issues with lost items and payment delays.
"BUYER BEWARE!! I purchased a Louis Vuitton wallet that The Real Real advertised and guaranteed to be authentic. After using it for a couple of weeks, I began to realize that it is indeed a counterfeit. As you can see in the first several pictures, It is literally peeling and falling apart compared to the last three posted by TRR which looked amazing. I have a collection of these wallets that have all been purchased directly from Louis Vuitton and have never had an issue like this. This is no doubt a fake! I have reached out to TRR and have a chain of emails in which I have included many pictures only to receive replies saying thank you for my patience and that they're forwarding the matter to their authentication department.
WHAT A JOKE!!!
After searching online, aside from all of the negative reviews with the same complaints of being ripped off by TRR, AI even says that TRR selling counterfeits is a known issue. Do not buy from The Real Real unless you're looking for an expensive knock off."
Darb Cron
"The RealReal Soho sold me a fraudulent Chanel bag and is refusing to refund me. The bag has clearly been painted, with paint even covering the hardware—none of which was disclosed in the listing. It was advertised as being in ‘very good condition,’ but this is a clear misrepresentation. Despite the clear evidence, they told me it’s final sale and offered no support. If you value authenticity and customer service, I strongly advise avoiding this store. See photos from their website vs what the item actually looked like when I picked it up."
Julia C
"I visited The RealReal store on July 25th around 6 PM with a friend. We were stopped at the entrance by the security guard and asked to wait in line, even though there were only about 5 customers inside. This struck us as odd because earlier that same day, the store was much busier, yet we were allowed in immediately without needing to wait.
Even when two customers exited, we were still not let in. Eventually, when only two customers remained in the store, we were finally allowed inside. This inconsistency in entry policy was confusing and unwelcoming, though we gave it the benefit of the doubt.
The more concerning issue happened when we were leaving the store after making a purchase. As we approached the door, the same security guard suddenly slammed the door’s unlock button with his fist in a very aggressive manner. It startled both of us, and he made no effort to actually open the door or communicate. We were in a rush for a dinner reservation, so we left without saying anything, but the incident left us feeling genuinely uncomfortable and even threatened.
I don’t know if the guard was having a bad day or if there was another issue, but this kind of behavior is unacceptable—especially toward paying customers. I hope the management takes this feedback seriously and ensures all visitors are treated respectfully and consistently."
Simona Sun
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The RealReal has several locations in NYC, including SoHo and the Upper East Side. The SoHo store is easily accessible via subway lines like the N, Q, R, W, and 6 trains to Canal Street or Prince Street. The Upper East Side store on Madison Avenue is accessible via the 4, 5, 6 trains to 59th Street-Lexington Avenue. +1
Parking in NYC can be challenging and expensive. It's generally recommended to use public transportation to reach The RealReal stores. If driving, look for nearby parking garages, but factor in the cost.
Store hours can vary, but typically The RealReal stores are open daily. It's best to check their official website or Google Maps for the most up-to-date hours for the specific location you plan to visit.
Yes, The RealReal operates a robust online platform where you can shop from anywhere. Their website, TheRealReal.com, offers a vast selection of luxury goods. +1
Absolutely! If you're visiting NYC and love designer fashion, The RealReal offers a unique shopping experience to find luxury items at potentially lower prices than retail.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, you do not need tickets to enter The RealReal stores. They are open to the public for browsing and shopping. However, during busy periods, you might experience a short wait to enter.
There is no admission fee to enter any of The RealReal's physical stores. You can browse their selection of pre-owned luxury goods freely.
Yes, you can try on clothing items at The RealReal stores. Most locations have fitting rooms available for customers.
Yes, you are welcome to bring friends or family with you to shop at The RealReal. However, be mindful of store capacity, as some locations may have entry restrictions during peak times.
The RealReal occasionally hosts special events and sales, both online and in-store. It's advisable to sign up for their email list or follow them on social media to stay informed about upcoming promotions.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping Experience
You can find a wide range of pre-owned luxury items, including designer handbags, clothing, shoes, jewelry, watches, and home decor. Popular brands include Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Gucci, and more. +2
The RealReal employs a team of experts to authenticate each item. However, some buyers have reported receiving counterfeit goods, so it's wise to be diligent.
Items are sold in various conditions, from 'like new' to 'gently used.' Each listing provides a detailed description of the item's condition. It's crucial to read these descriptions carefully.
Prices at The RealReal are generally fixed, as they are based on the item's brand, condition, and market value. However, they do have sales and promotions where prices are reduced.
The RealReal has a return policy, but it can be strict, especially for items marked as 'final sale.' It's essential to review their return policy on their website before making a purchase.
🎫 💰 Consignment & Selling
You can consign items by filling out a form on their website or by visiting a store. They offer free at-home pickup for high-value items.
The commission rates vary depending on the item's value and category. Higher-value items generally have lower commission rates. You can find a detailed commission structure on their website.
If an item cannot be authenticated, The RealReal will typically return it to you. However, some sellers have reported issues with items being lost or incorrectly deemed fake.
The selling time can vary greatly depending on the item, brand, and demand. Some items sell within weeks, while others may take longer.
Risks include items being lost, damaged, or incorrectly authenticated. Some consignors have also experienced poor customer service and lengthy delays in payment.
📸 📸 Photography & Social Media
Generally, taking photos inside The RealReal stores is permitted for personal use, especially for sharing finds on social media. However, it's always good practice to be discreet and respectful of other shoppers and staff. +1
The RealReal is active on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. You can find them by searching for '@TheRealReal' to see hauls, new arrivals, and styling tips. +2
Popular hashtags include #TheRealReal, #TheRealRealFinds, #TheRealRealHaul, #LuxuryConsignment, #SustainableFashion, and brand-specific tags like #ChanelBag or #LouisVuitton. +2
Yes, many fashion influencers and content creators frequently share their exciting finds from The RealReal on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. +3
While not explicitly designed as photo spots, the well-curated displays and racks of designer items can make for visually appealing backdrops for your fashion content. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget-Conscious Shoppers
💍 Jewelry & Watch Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating The RealReal for Designer Handbags
Key Takeaway: While the allure of a designer bag at a discount is strong, due diligence is paramount. Research the specific bag, compare it to known authentic examples, and understand The RealReal's return policy before committing to a purchase. If a deal seems too good to be true, it often is.
For those looking to consign handbags, be prepared for a potentially lengthy and sometimes frustrating process. Sellers have reported issues with items being lost or authentication disputes, even with high-value pieces.
The Consignment Experience: What Sellers Need to Know
Tips for Consignors: To mitigate potential issues, document everything. Take clear photos of your items before sending them off, keep records of original receipts, and be prepared to follow up persistently.
Conversely, some users have had positive consignment experiences, particularly with high-value items that sell quickly.
Navigating The RealReal Stores: Tips from Visitors
In-Store Shopping Advice: Go with an open mind and be prepared to browse. The layout is often organized by brand or item type, making it easier to navigate.
Some visitors have also noted security guard interactions that felt aggressive or unwelcoming.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit