InstantLuxe

InstantLuxe.com was an online marketplace specializing in certified, second-hand luxury goods. Founded in 2009 by Yann Le Floc'h, the platform established itself as a key player in the burgeoning market for pre-owned luxury items, focusing on leather goods, jewelry, watches, and accessories. The business operated on a marketplace model, taking a commission on the selling price of items, which ranged from 8% to 30%. The company's core value proposition was its authentication process, conducted by experts to ensure the genuineness of the high-value products sold on the site.

Yann Le Floc'h, a designer with a background in technology and responsible economic models, launched the company to tap into the growing consumer trend of second-hand luxury consumption. His venture grew to a community of 850,000 members. Before its acquisition, the company had already begun to explore physical retail through a successful pop-up corner at BHV Marais, a department store owned by the Galeries Lafayette group. This initial collaboration demonstrated the potential of an omnichannel strategy.

In June 2016, French department store giant Galeries Lafayette acquired a 100% stake in InstantLuxe to bolster its digital presence and enter the expanding second-hand market. Following the acquisition, Yann Le Floc'h remained as CEO to manage the transition and continued expansion. The company further integrated into Galeries Lafayette's physical retail spaces, opening dedicated corners at the flagship Haussmann branch. InstantLuxe also formed a significant partnership with eBay in 2017, launching an "eBay Luxe" section to feature its certified items on eBay's global platform. Despite these efforts, the company faced stiff competition from rivals like Vestiaire Collective and struggled to achieve critical mass, leading to financial losses. In November 2018, the Galeries Lafayette group announced the closure of InstantLuxe.

Keywords: second-hand luxury, pre-owned luxury goods, luxury resale, authenticated luxury, online marketplace, leather goods, luxury accessories, luxury watches, certified pre-owned, Galeries Lafayette, Yann Le Floc'h, e-commerce, Vestiaire Collective competitor, luxury consignment, circular fashion, BHV Marais, eBay Luxe, resale market, fashion resale, vintage luxury