Lord & Taylor Relaunches Again and Includes Resale

Lord & Taylor Relaunches Again and Includes Resale

Lord & Taylor, the iconic retailer that was left a shell of its former self before closing its stores a few years ago, is once again back in business, operating as a purely online store under yet another new owner.

However, this relaunch is distinguished by confusing merchandising and pricing strategies that attempt to blend a focus on resale with what appears to be an overall off-price approach for higher-end and luxury fashion and home goods.

Confusing Pricing and Merchandising Strategies

The banner “CURATED LUXURY AT YOUR FINGERTIPS” is posted prominently; yet, the actual pricing strategy is bafflingly unclear.

The website avoids labeling its offerings as officially "off-price," but the merchandise suggests an inferred markdown strategy, with many individual items shown as being marked down. This implied off-price approach, however, is immediately undercut by contradictory listings. For example, the site includes women's skirts and dresses, both appearing to be in new condition, listed for $69 and $98, respectively, and are not marked down from a higher price. Additionally, these prices clearly do not align with a "curated luxury" positioning.

Compounding the confusion is the presence of just one price and no markdowns alongside items with full, non-discounted prices, such as a Gucci horsebit flat mule for $1,241.90 and a Ferragamo Castagneto L chocolate handbag for $4,079.90. On the other hand, examples of deep markdowns include items like Gucci cat eye-frame sunglasses, with a sale price of $179.99 (regularly $590.00), and a Ferragamo Vara bow smooth leather tote, with a sale price of $899.99 (regularly $2,100.00).

A surprising finding during my review is that a significant number of items, assuming they are identical on other websites, are priced higher on lordandtaylor.com. An example of this is shown in the section below called “A Surprising Pricing Premium.”

The sheer range and inconsistency of these listing types make the actual pricing and merchandise strategies difficult to definitively pin down.

Strategies Vague by Design?

The "About Us" section offers zero clarity regarding the website's strategy or current positioning. Instead, the section is nothing more than a nostalgic history lesson. It emphasizes the heritage of Lord & Taylor with scrolling boxes and black-and-white photos pertaining to the company's past from 1826 until the 2000s, leaving customers to guess the current business model.

While the site itself is strategically vague, the push to include resale was openly underscored by Reflaunt's CEO, whose company is powering the effort. In a post last week on LinkedIn, the CEO stated that Lord & Taylor "is returning with a bold vision: putting customers at the center and building resale into the heart of its relaunch." The program is called Resell by Lord & Taylor.

Disclaimer Integrated into Item Descriptions

After clicking on each item, there is a detailed disclosure that states:

“What to know before buying: Lord & Taylor is a platform that hosts sellers of authentic luxury brands. Neither Lord & Taylor nor its sellers are affiliated with or authorized retailers of any brand. You should assume that warranties, packaging, return policies, and other brand services do not apply or are different from those offered directly by brands. Please review the product details carefully before making a purchase.”

Critical Lack of Transparency in Authentication and Returns

The "What to know before buying" section simply asserts that all goods come from sellers of authentic luxury brands. However, this statement provides little practical assurance because it fails to disclose two critical pieces of information:

1. The specific details of the authentication process.

2. The explicit policy for returns and refunds if the item is later confirmed to be inauthentic by a third party.

Obviously, authenticity is a top concern for buyers when purchasing a $4,000+ handbag on this website.

This lack of transparency aligns with a broader industry challenge, evidenced by a comparative analysis I conducted about six months prior across approximately 25 luxury resale platforms. While a number of platforms guaranteed authenticity and promised a refund if the item were deemed inauthentic, this analysis demonstrated a significant systemic problem: very few resellers explicitly detail their procedures for such scenarios, often necessitating follow-up inquiries that frequently yield an incomplete or vague response. In a few instances, persistent follow-up emails were required to finally obtain the company’s process for honoring the authenticity guarantee.

Inventory and Condition Categories Not Stated

A critical deficiency is the absence of a clear condition designation (e.g., new, deadstock, or pre-loved) for items. The platform appears to mix inventory without clear designation, which forces the consumer to infer the state of the goods.

This ambiguity is compounded by the absence of condition ratings (if the item is pre-loved) commonly found on most resale sites. Shoppers are given no indication if the item is new or pre-owned, and if pre-owned, the item's condition (e.g., Excellent, Very Good, Shows Wear) is missing.

While the website tells those wishing to sell items through this platform that it will only accept items in "brand-new, excellent, or very good condition," this internal vetting grade is not visibly carried through to the customer-facing product page. (Note: The content in Resell by Lord & Taylor does not specifically mention that items sellers submit through here are sold on lordandtaylor.com. It states: your items will be listed on Reflaunt’s global resale network, reaching over 300 million buyers.")

A Surprising Pricing Premium

Further investigation into the buying side on lordandtaylor.com generated an alarming concern regarding the final prices. Given that the most recent Q3 2025 Lyst Index ranked Coach highly among fashion’s hottest brands, at number five I decided to search for a Coach handbag.

As of the writing, the website lists over 50 Coach handbags, many of which appeared to be current styles, and my assessment is that none of them have been worn, though there isn’t a confirmation. As previously noted, the broad disclaimer was posted next to each item, but there was no clear indication if these bags are new or used.

The most startling discovery is the significant price premium on the lordandtaylor.com listings compared to the prices on the Coach website:

Coach Bag Style Name	Price Coach Website	Price Lord& Taylor Website	How much more expensive on Lord & Taylor website
Juliet Shoulder Bag	$350	$622.90	$272 or 79% more
Bleecker Bucket Bag	$450	$831.90	$381 or 85% more
Quilted Tabby with Chain Shoulder Bag	$595	$1,102.90	$507 or 85% more

The explanation for this startling price structure might lie in the FAQ’s, which outlines an additive pricing model that could be confusing for shoppers. It states:

“To determine the listing price shown across our resale network, we add shipping, a reduced marketplace fee negotiated by Reflaunt, operational costs, and our commission on top of your payout. This full amount is paid by the buyer, not deducted from your earnings.”

This fee structure is designed to maximize the seller's payout. However, it results in final prices that, based on my product reviews, look to be highly non-competitive. The website explanation is lacking in detail, such as what a marketplace fee is and what operational costs cover. This approach, where the price is marked up dramatically to cover all logistics and fees paid by the buyer, creates significant confusion when comparing a Lord & Taylor listing against an official retail price.

On November 10, 2025, I sent an email to Lord & Taylor’s customer service, along with the relevant screenshots, asking why the prices on their website were so much higher compared to the Coach website. I am awaiting a response.

A Consignment Model, With Two Exceptions

A review of how individuals can sell pre-loved items via the Resell by Lord & Taylor website was easy to follow. Though the words “consign” or “consignment” were not used, for the most part, selling here follows the consignment model. The process and logistics are run by Reflaunt, which has extensive experience with this type of business, including working with NET-A-PORTER and Balenciaga.

After clicking a tab on the home page called "Resell" it clearly notes: (1) The items the person wants to sell are shipped to Reflaunt for free. (2) Reflaunt authenticates, takes the photos, and writes the descriptions. (3) The price is set by Reflaunt, and the items are listed.

The FAQ’s further states: "your items will be listed on Reflaunt’s global resale network, reaching over 300 million buyers." Though no specific retailers in the global resale network are noted, I’ve come across Reflaunt being the supplier for other companies pre-owned luxury handbags. For example, the Saks OFF 5TH website has pre-owned luxury handbag listings, and next to some of them, it states: Sourced & Shipped by Reflaunt. Fashionphile is also a supplier for Saks OFF Fifth pre-owned luxury handbags.

Points to Keep in Mind

To reiterate, with two exceptions explained below, this is a consignment model, so payment occurs only after the item has been sold. The payment can be in the form of cash via a bank transfer or a Lord & Taylor credit worth 20% more than the cash option.

Instant Reward Option Instead of Consigning

The exceptions of getting paid prior to the item selling are applicable for select models of handbags and sneakers, for which a Lord & Taylor credit may be received immediately. This is called an Instant Reward. For handbags, the seller clicks a link and uses two drop-down menus to find the brand and category, where they can see eligible models and the dollar amount they "could earn." The website does not specify the sneaker brands or models that qualify. Once the bag or sneakers are received by Reflaunt and evaluated, a pricing agreement will be sent, with the option to receive the Instant Reward, or list the item and await a sale.

Commission, Fees, and the Fine Print

As with working with any consignee, it is essential the consignor (seller) read all the fine print. The FAQ’s confirms the seller's payout is net of all costs, with the final consumer price being marked up to cover all operational and marketplace fees. Note there are no details about the operational and marketplace fees.

It seems that reestablishing the Lord & Taylor brand online presence is difficult enough, so adding the resale business could only make operations even more challenging. However, the resale partner, Reflaunt, has experience with other brands’ resale operations, including Balenciaga and NET-A-PORTER. When comparing the Balenciaga ReSell program with Lord & Taylor’s Resell program, it looks like there are a number of similarities, such as a 20% bonus over the cash amount when opting for payment with a Balenciaga voucher.

Conclusion

As a former employee of Lord & Taylor, it is heartening to see the name continue. However, the current iteration of Lord & Taylor is struggling to capture the essence of its past. The merchandising and pricing strategies appear muddled, and clarity is needed regarding item transparency and authentication policies. These factors present significant hurdles to delivering the "curated luxury" experience the brand promises. On a positive note, the incorporation of resale is a timely and strategic move, and the program benefits from the expertise of its technology partner, Reflaunt. Ultimately, establishing a competitive foothold in the digital luxury market will require the new Lord & Taylor to address these foundational inconsistencies.

Full Disclosure: Although I worked at Lord & Taylor more than 15 years ago, this post is based entirely on my recent experience with the current Lord & Taylor website. My opinions reflect only my current interactions with the company's website and are not influenced by my previous employment. The content in this post is based on my personal opinions and experiences. It is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Specific research for the items mentioned in this post was conducted between November 10, 2025 and November 14, 2025 and it is possible they are no longer on the website. I have not received any compensation for writing this post.

FASHION RESALE: A MID-APRIL UPDATE

Introduction

With the recent news surrounding the Trump tariffs, many have wondered, and even stated, that increased consumer costs will cause the secondhand fashion and related goods market to boom. As prices for new goods potentially rise, budget-conscious shoppers may increasingly turn to thrift stores, consignment shops, and online platforms like eBay, ThredUp, OfferUp and Vinted. This surge in shoppers could have a significant and positive impact on these businesses.

Furthermore, the luxury fashion market might also witness a rise in pre-loved sales. As high-end brands respond to tariffs by increasing their prices, consumers looking for luxury items may find the secondhand market a more accessible option. We're already seeing evidence of this. For instance, today Hermès announced: "We are going to fully offset the impact of these new duties by increasing our selling prices in the United States from May 1, across all our business lines." This suggests that the cost of new luxury goods is indeed on the rise.

Building on the potential growth of the pre-loved market, I thought it would be useful to provide a few examples of recent company activities. While these initiatives likely predate the tariff issues, it's still valuable to track these developments within the evolving resale landscape.

ThredUp Introduced a New Loyalty Program

ThredUp, known for its widely quoted Annual Resale Report, having issued its 13th such Report in March 2025, launched a new loyalty program. (A few notable points in ThredUp's 2025 Resale Report:"The global secondhand market grew 15% in 2024. Secondhand accounted for 9% of the global apparel spend....The global secondhand apparel market is expected to reach $367 billion by 2029, growing 2.7X faster than the overall global apparel market.")

On October 1, 2024, ThredUp discontinued its ThredUp Rewards loyalty program, with all points expiring in early 2025. On April 1, 2025, ThredUp introduced a new rewards program, called ThredUp Insider.

ThredUp Insider has three tiers and each tier has a birthday benefit, in the form of a shopping credit that must be used in one purchase.

Benefits for each tier include:

Star

• With a minimum purchase of $89, there is free standard shipping.

Superstar

• With an annual spend of $200, there is free standard shipping with a minimum purchase of $49.

• One day early access to select sales.

• Credit for sending your first Clean Out Bag ($15 per year)

Very Important Thrifter or VIT

• With an annual spend of $1,000, there is free standard shipping with a minimum purchase of $39, as well as the Clean Up bag noted above.

• Two day early access to select sales.

• 24 hour early access to newly listed items.

• Priority access to customer service. Note: I'm still on the lookout to find out the details what priority access to customer service is all about.

• The tier status lasts for the remainder of the current calendar year and the next full calendar year as well.

In a previous post discussing loyalty programs and resale, I noted that while loyalty programs could be a bonus, they are rarely the primary reason shoppers choose a particular resale platform. However, some shoppers might prioritize platforms with loyalty programs. Going forward, it is possible that resale companies experiencing strong growth would need to review their loyalty programs to ensure the influx of new shoppers doesn't negatively impact the experience for existing customers, strain their current systems, or create unforeseen financial burdens due to increased participation.

Faume Raised $9.1 Million for Expanding its Resale Platform

Paris based Faume, a second-hand platform for fashion and luxury brands notes, per a press release: "Since its launch in 2020, the company has enabled the sale of 300,000 secondhand premium fashion pieces, 40% of which were sold outside France" raised $9.1 million to support its European expansion, particularly in the UK and Italy.

Faume has relationships with over 40 brands including Lacoste, Sandro, Isabelle Marant and recently added UK based brands Victoria Beckham and Temperately London. Faume plans to support 150 brands within the next four years. Also, it plans launching its proprietary Dynamic Pricing AI by the end of 2025 to help brands offer more competitive resale prices compared to marketplaces.

Trove Acquired Resale Platform Reverse.Supply

Founded in 2016 and based in San Francisco, Trove's recommerce solutions include returns processing, omnichannel reselling , trade-ins and peer-to-peer selling. Trove's partners include Canada Goose, Patagonia and Eileen Fisher. Trove acquired Reserve.Supply, a German based resale tech provider.

Trove's press release noted: "The acquisition comes at a strategic time as changing European legislation around producer responsibility and right-to-repair creates urgency for brands to establish effective resale, repair, and recycling programs,” said Terry Boyle, CEO of Trove. “ The acquisition boosts its reach, making branded resale accessible for brands across. 30 countries. This looks to be a nice move for Trove, a Certified B Corporation.

Trashie and NBA Launched a Collaboration

Trashie, a recycling and rewards platform teamed up with the NBA for fans to get rid of their unwanted clothes and for that, get rewarded. Rewards include exclusive game day perks and discounts such as 20% off items from sports brands including: '47, $20 off Nike and Fanatics and $10 off select HydraPeak water bottles.

Those seeking to declutter could request the The Trashie Bag, and that for a limited time the bag would be free. (The Trashie Bag usually cost $15 or $20, with a leading reason for the different prices is due to it being promoted.) After the bag, that comes with a free UPS label is loaded up with up to 15 pounds of clothes and shoes and more, and received by Trashie, the discounts would begin and the sender would also have the chance to win tickets to the 2025 NBA draft this June.

Vestiaire Collective Issued a Resale Buying Guide

Vestiaire Collective, with sellers and buyers in 70 countries launched its Resale Buying Guide SS 2025. It is a comprehensive report intended to help shoppers navigate the resale market. The report states "...we've created our inaugural resale buying guide with a focus on finding the best value, no matter you budget."

According to a press release, it includes data covering 400 brands that is used to create the Vestiaire Value Ranking (VVR) a system that weighs three key factors: (1) price accessibility (2) long-term value (3) current desirability. Based on that, it generated a list of the top brands with the best long-term value for different categories. The categories include luxury, designer and premium, which in turn are based on price point, heritage and products offered. This release generated quite a bit of buzz. In fact, Vestiaire Collective's Instagram includes a photo of Vogue's Editor in Chief Anna Wintour holding an orange document titled The Resale Buying Guide SS2025.

Conclusion

So, circling back to the initial thought that with potential price hikes driven by the Trump tariffs, it is possible there will be a a surge in secondhand fashion interest. And the resale market isn't standing still. The recent initiatives from various platforms, while possibly predating the tariff talks, highlight a dynamic and evolving industry. With the developments about ThredUp, Trashie and Vestiaire Collective noted above, how might these tactics influence your platform choice as a buyer or seller in this shifting landscape?

Full Disclosure: The content in my blog is based on my personal opinions and experiences. It is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Research for this post ended on April 17, 2025. All opinions are my own, and I have not received any compensation for writing this post. The image in this post was generated by Gemini AI Pro.

ADDING SOME SHIMMER TO YOUR STEPS

Despite the recent rainy April days, my thoughts have been drifting towards shoes - - specifically, the kind that wouldn't last a minute in a downpour. While flats sometimes get a bad rap for being boring, I wholeheartedly disagree. There's a world of fashionable flat options out there, and my current obsession lies with metallics, particularly in luxurious leathers and even beyond the typical gold and silver. These shades truly shine when styled into shoes, creating some fashionable looks - - and I've recently stumbled upon some finds I can't wait to share.

I was introduced to FRĒDA SALVADOR, a California company, about eight years ago with the purchase of their leather booties. I immediately noticed how substantial they appeared while remaining remarkably light on my feet. This comfort is clearly a result of their focus on high-quality materials and excellent craftsmanship.

In addition to their footwear, the brand also designs stylish bags and belts. It's also worth noting their commitment to material transparency. Their website highlights that most of their leathers are sourced from Leather Working Group Certified Tanneries, an organization focused on environmental and sustainable standards.

This shoe, the Jada square-toe ballet flat in the eye-catching chartreuse metallic is a must-see! These flats are sure to inject a vibrant pop of color into your wardrobe. Price: $375.00 Link: https://tinyurl.com/59d5vbuxenvelops However, if a more understated color is your preference, you're in luck! These shoes also come in about ten other shades, including black, white, and latte.

With a three-generation history, the Italian brand AGL offers premium contemporary style. Their website describes their aesthetic as "effortless chic" and "definitely cool," designed for confident, dynamic women."

My own experience with their Monika flats confirms their comfort - - they're truly a delight to wear! While I usually gravitate towards pointy toes, the comfort of the Monika has me intrigued by their Mae style, which bears a resemblance. The Mae shown here features a beautiful midnight blue, of a raffia-like texture with metallic shimmer, and a stylish metallic calfskin cap toe. Price: $375 Link: https://tinyurl.com/2r24jccpenvelops

Paul Mayer started his shoe company in 1981. Over the years, the Company's focus has been on quilted flats and lug sole flats, along with other ballet styles. The focus is also on comfort. According to the Company’s website: “My shoes go well with most women’s entire wardrobe. They dress-up or dress-down." The Paul Mayer/Attitudes woman is ...

confident and always fashionable. She makes her fashion investments wisely. She’s in-fashion, not trendy."

Over the years, I've been a big fan of Paul Mayer ballet flats, having owned several pairs. I've always found them to be both attractive and incredibly comfortable, not to mention remarkably durable for everyday wear.

This particular style comes in a striking metallic pink and features a beautiful quilted leather upper, a classic leather cap toe, and a practical rubber sole - - perfect for walking around. As a city dweller who typically shies away from pastel-colored footwear, I have to admit there's something about these metallic pink shoes that makes me think I might just feel extra stylish and confident strolling through New York City! Price: $265 Link: https://tinyurl.com/8jepzzzc These shoes are also available in about 15 other colorways, including a few other metallic shades.

There are quite a few gold and silver flats to explore and below are two for your consideration.

Synonymous with timeless luxury, Roger Vivier, part of the Tod's Group, is famous for its iconic buckle, a design that has been evolving. The Gommettine Ballerinas is in gold leather and features the signature buckle. For buckle enthusiasts, these are a must-see. Despite being described as a tapered toe, their elegant shape will appeal to those who prefer a pointed toe. Price: $825. Link: https://tinyurl.com/mpbvmj2b These flats are also available on blue/black mesh, red mesh and various leather colors.

Ferragamo's iconic Vara shoe was created in 1978. Originally made in calfskin with its signature grosgrain bow and a practical block heel, the shoe's enduring appeal led to countless variations in materials, toe shapes, and heel heights. I, too, became a fan of this timeless design, particularly cherishing my own pair in classic black patent leather.

One of the more recent and intriguing transformations is the new Vara plate ballet flat. This updated style, shown in silver features a redesigned Ferragamo buckle and incorporates a strap across the instep. Interestingly, while traditional Mary Jane shoes are typically characterized by a round toe, this new Vara iteration offers a modern square toe. It's also available in chic pink and versatile black. Price: $795 Link: https://tinyurl.com/5cu26tec

It is also available in black and pink.

So, what are your thoughts on metallic flats? Are you a fan, or do you prefer other finishes? And what about metallic accessories in general? Do you find yourself reaching for a gleaming handbag or shimmering belt to elevate your look? I'd love to hear from you.

Full Disclosure: The content in this post is based on my personal opinions and experiences. It is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. All opinions are my own, and I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Research for this post was conducted between April 10, 2025 and April 13, 2025. It is possible the links no longer direct the reader to the shoes shown as they could no longer be available. The image of the purple flat was generated by Gemini AI Pro.