The Leader In Online Luxury Consignment Expands Offerings To Fine Art

SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The RealReal, the leader in online luxury consignment, today announced its entry into fine art.  The launch of this new category creates a unique and new marketplace for art.  Mirroring The RealReal's fashion model, the company will offer rare access to unique pieces, product authentication and curated art.  This combination of offerings instills buyer confidence and an ease of shopability of otherwise unearthed finds. The RealReal is creating liquidity for collectors who until now have not had a secondary venue to resell their art.

"This is a natural extension of The RealReal's business model of providing product authentication and a curated marketplace of high value items," said Julie Wainwright, Founder and CEO of The RealReal.  "We currently have over 1.4 million members and art is the number one new product request.  The RealReal is providing the consumer with access to art that is otherwise unavailable."

Chris Deyo has been appointed General Manager of Art.  His career in consumer products and e-commerce spans over 25 years.  He joins The RealReal with 10 plus years of experience in product and business model innovation.

In addition, Shawna Brickley has been appointed Director, Fine Art.  Shawna comes to The RealReal with 15 years of fine art experience, including a significant tenure at Swann Galleries.  She is a graduate of Wheaton College and Harvard University, where she earned degrees in Art History, Anthropology and Museum Science.  She is also a USPAP certified appraiser in the area of Fine Art.

"I believe that by tapping into the collections of individual consignors, our specialists will be able to assemble an outstanding and diverse selection of pieces not available anywhere else," said Shawna Brickley, Director, Fine Art.  "Global art and commerce have been edging further into the online arena, and The RealReal's consignment and curated sales model has the potential to alter the structure of the art industry forever."

ABOUT THE REALREAL 
The RealReal is the leading full service online luxury resale marketplace.  Only The RealReal offers customers access to authenticated designer fashion and fine art in curated sales. Our designer brands include such leading names as Chanel, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Prada, all at up to 90% off original retail. Our fine art offerings include paintings, drawings, prints, photographs and sculpture from the Modern, Post-War and Contemporary eras.  The RealReal takes possession of all items prior to sale in order for its merchandising and curatorial teams, authentication specialists and skilled gemologists to evaluate each item.  Consignors in major U.S. cities can schedule a free White Glove pick-up; elsewhere, consignors can use the company's online direct service. Consignors make up to 70% of the selling price.

SOURCE The RealReal