Crossroads Trading Company Profile

Background

Overview

Founded in 1991 by Jerry Block and Chip Gerken, Crossroads Trading Company has been a pioneer in the resale fashion industry, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional retail. The company specializes in buying, selling, and consigning name-brand and designer clothing, providing a curated shopping experience that combines affordability with eco-consciousness. With over 30 years in operation, Crossroads has expanded to 38 retail locations across Northern California, Southern California, the Pacific Northwest, New York, Texas, Denver, and Chicago. The company's mission emphasizes creating a welcoming, inclusive environment, delivering outstanding customer service, and promoting environmental sustainability by recycling clothes and reducing landfill waste.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Sustainability: Promoting secondhand clothing as an eco-friendly alternative to fast fashion.

Customer Experience: Providing a friendly and fashionable atmosphere for buying and selling clothing.

Community Engagement: Operating in vibrant neighborhoods and fostering local connections.

Specialization

Crossroads Trading focuses on contemporary, vintage, and designer apparel, catering to fashion-forward customers who value sustainability. The company offers a 'Buy / Sell / Trade' model, providing 30% in cash or 50% in store credit for traded items. Additionally, Crossroads has introduced Sell-By-Mail and Concierge programs to enhance customer convenience.

Primary Markets

The company operates in major urban areas across the United States, including California, the Pacific Northwest, New York, Texas, Denver, and Chicago, targeting eco-conscious consumers seeking affordable fashion options.

Financials and Funding

Revenue

As of April 2025, Crossroads Trading's annual revenue is estimated to be between $100 million and $1 billion.

Employee Count

The company employs approximately 430 individuals across its various locations.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

Crossroads Trading utilizes a tech-savvy approach to enhance its operations and customer experience. The company employs technologies such as IBM Cognos Analytics for advanced data analysis, Google Analytics for web analytics, and WordPress for content management. These tools enable Crossroads to optimize marketing strategies and improve customer engagement.

Leadership Team

Ava Williams – Chief Executive Officer

Education: National University of Singapore

Location: Seattle, WA

Janice Murphy – Director of Human Resources

Education: University of California, Berkeley

Location: Berkeley, CA

Kendra Tafurt – Director of Corporate Buying

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The resale fashion industry is experiencing significant growth, driven by increased consumer awareness of sustainability and the economic benefits of secondhand shopping. Crossroads Trading's commitment to eco-friendly practices aligns with current market trends emphasizing conscious consumerism.

Competitor Analysis

Buffalo Exchange: Established in 1974, Buffalo Exchange operates over 40 stores, promoting sustainable fashion by buying, selling, and trading clothing, offering 25% cash or 50% trade for items.

Uptown Cheapskate: Founded in 2008, this franchise has more than 110 locations nationwide, emphasizing sustainability and affordability.

Poshmark: A social commerce marketplace facilitating buyer-seller interactions within community-driven platforms, offering a range of categories including fashion and home goods.

Carbon38: Focused on high-end activewear, offering contemporary fashion through exclusive collaborations via e-commerce platforms.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

In April 2023, Crossroads Trading Co. ratified its first union contract through UFCW 3000, demonstrating its commitment to worker rights, job security, and wage increases. The company actively engages with customers through social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook, offering fashion insights and updates.

Operational Insights

Crossroads Trading maintains a competitive advantage by focusing on physical retail experiences, offering immediate cash and trade options without waiting periods. The company has introduced an in-store app that allows sellers to check wait times and add their names to the selling list remotely, enhancing customer convenience.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Crossroads Trading plans to continue expanding its physical retail presence, opening two to three new stores per year. The company remains committed to enhancing the in-store experience and leveraging technology to improve customer engagement, positioning itself to capitalize on the growing resale fashion market.