The fashion industry’s environmental impact has long been a concern for Emily Gittins. Recognizing the industry’s substantial contribution to global CO2 emissions and water waste, Gittins sought a solution to the unsustainable cycle of fast fashion consumption. “The way we consume today is hugely problematic,” she stated.
In 2021, Gittins partnered with Ryan Rowe to launch Archive. The company provides software solutions that empower fashion brands and retailers to establish their own branded resale platforms. These platforms facilitate peer-to-peer sales of pre-owned clothing, directly integrated into the brand’s ecosystem.
While competitors like Trove and Treet also offer resale software, Archive distinguishes itself through its capacity to support global brands operating across multiple continents. Its comprehensive suite of features includes intelligent pricing tools, streamlined product feeds, and robust warehouse management capabilities encompassing intake, processing, repair, and fulfillment. Furthermore, Archive provides analytics tools for tracking profitability and costs, along with seamless integration options for existing brand systems and data sharing. Currently, Archive collaborates with over 50 brands, including prominent names like New Balance, The North Face, and Oscar de la Renta.
The secondhand market presents a significant opportunity, projected to reach $73 billion in the U.S. alone by 2028, according to a ThredUp resale report. This segment of the fashion industry is poised for continued expansion, driven by increasing consumer demand for eco-conscious and budget-friendly alternatives, particularly among younger demographics.
This burgeoning market, coupled with Archive’s innovative approach, has attracted substantial investment. The company recently closed a $30 million Series B funding round led by Energize Capital, with participation from Lightspeed Venture Partners, G9 Ventures, and Bain Capital Ventures. This brings Archive’s total funding to $54 million. The new capital will be used to further enhance Archive’s resale software and drive product innovation.
The growth of the clothing resale industry is further bolstered by emerging legislation promoting sustainable practices. California’s new Responsible Textile Recovery Act, along with similar initiatives in Europe, signal a growing regulatory push for responsible textile management.
Gittins emphasized the debunking of previous concerns about resale cannibalizing full-price sales. She highlighted the company’s current scaling phase with numerous brands and expressed excitement about launching resale businesses for a multitude of new brands in 2025. Archive’s technology offers a compelling pathway toward a more sustainable future for the fashion industry.
