How Luxe Collective Leverage Trends and TikTok for Business Growth with Co-Founder, Ben Gallagher

Howto & Style

Introduction

Welcome back to Unplugged! We're thrilled to kick off 2024 with our latest interviews, and today we're chatting with Ben Gallagher, the co-founder of Luxe Collective. Luxe Collective specializes in the resale of secondhand luxury goods and has seen significant growth since its inception in 2018.

The Luxe Collective Story

Ben Gallagher started Luxe Collective with his brother in 2018 while he was still attending school. After getting fired from two different jobs, Ben decided to focus full-time on luxury reselling. Starting from a modest background and inspired by his sister’s Christmas gift—a pair of designer shoes bought at a significantly reduced price—Ben saw the potential in secondhand luxury items. Fast forward to today, Luxe Collective has grown to a team of 30 members, operating out of a 12,000-square-foot unit and making deals with major global brands.

The Power of Social Media

With over 2.5 million followers on social media, Luxe Collective owes much of its success to staying ahead of consumer trends. Ben believes that social media is crucial for any business that wants to remain relevant. He recounts visiting a top cosmetic brand's office where the directors were surprisingly uninformed about social media, emphasizing how critical it is for companies to leverage these platforms.

TikTok Shop: A Game Changer

Luxe Collective recently ventured into selling through TikTok Shop about a month ago, and it has been a game-changer for them. The platform has allowed them to reach number one in the UK for every month they’ve participated. Ben reveals that selling on TikTok Shop is three times cheaper than traditional e-commerce and social media ads, prompting a complete business model overhaul within just a month.

Operational Challenges and Solutions

The most significant challenge Luxe Collective faces is the operational complexity of reselling luxury items. From authentication to storage, every step is labor-intensive. Ben explains how they are continually looking for efficiencies and exploring technological solutions to streamline these processes.

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Ben’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple: try everything. He encourages people not to box themselves into preconceived roles based on past interests. He believes that you never know what you might enjoy or where your future might take you unless you explore various opportunities.

Conclusion

Ben Gallagher's journey with Luxe Collective is a compelling story of innovation, adaptability, and the power of social media. We hope this interview inspires and informs those looking to dive into the world of luxury reselling or any entrepreneurial venture.

Keywords

  • Luxe Collective
  • Ben Gallagher
  • Luxury goods
  • Social media
  • TikTok Shop
  • Consumer trends
  • Operational challenges
  • Entrepreneurship

FAQ

  1. When was Luxe Collective founded?

    • Luxe Collective was founded in 2018 by Ben Gallagher and his brother.

  2. How has social media impacted Luxe Collective’s growth?

    • Social media has played a crucial role in keeping the company updated on consumer trends and has significantly contributed to its growth with over 2.5 million followers.

  3. What is TikTok Shop, and how has it affected Luxe Collective?

    • TikTok Shop is a platform for selling products directly through TikTok. Luxe Collective started using it about a month ago and found it to be a cost-effective and highly successful sales channel.

  4. What are the operational challenges faced by Luxe Collective?

    • The process of reselling luxury goods is highly operationally intensive, involving steps from authentication to storage and delivery.

  5. What advice does Ben Gallagher offer to aspiring entrepreneurs?

    • Ben advises trying as many things as possible without confining oneself to preconceived notions, as this approach could reveal unexpected passions and career paths.