The RealReal CEO to Be Honored by NRF as Retail Leader
Julie Wainwright is on the National Retail Federation’s 2022 list of “People Shaping Retail’s Future.”

One of the honorees on the 2022 list of “People Shaping Retail’s Future” is The RealReal Founder and CEO Julie Wainwright, the woman behind the luxury consignment giant.
From high-priced handbags to high-end clothing, the retailer sells all types of luxury goods. Its watch and jewelry sales have been doing particularly well.
Wainwright founded The RealReal in 2011 at her kitchen table, visiting consignors at their homes with a U-Haul truck, the company’s website states.
The RealReal now has 18 retail locations where customers can sell, consult with experts, and receive free valuations in person.
The other honorees are Five Below President and CEO Joel Anderson, McDonald’s Corporation President and CEO Chris Kempczinsk, CVS Health Executive Vice President and CVS Pharmacy President Neela Montgomery, and Chewy CEO Sumit Singh.
“This year’s honorees have each led their companies through incredible changes,” said Jeff Gennette, chairman and CEO of Macy’s and chairman of the NRF Foundation Board of Directors, in a press release announcing the honorees.
Over the next several weeks, the NRF Foundation will feature the honorees in a series of videos for a behind-the-scenes look at how they built their careers and what their impact on the retail industry has been.
In Wainwright’s video, she gives a nod to gemologists around the 12-minute mark when highlighting careers in the retail industry some may not think of at first.
She noted the company helps employees receive gemology training and shows them how to authenticate luxury brands.
WATCH: The RealReal’s Julie Wainwright Shares Her Insights
The 2022 NRF Foundation Honors will be held Jan. 16 at the Marriott Marquis Times Square.
The event will be co-hosted by Gennette and National Retail Federation Board Chairman Mike George, who is set to retire this year as president and CEO of Qurate Retail.
For more information about the event, visit the NRF website.
The Latest

Fellow musician Maxx Morando proposed to the star with a chunky, cushion-cut diamond ring designed by Jacquie Aiche.

Black Friday is still the most popular shopping day over the five-day holiday weekend, as per the National Retail Federation’s survey.

The historic egg, crafted for Russia's ruling family prior to the revolution, was the star of Christie’s recent auction of works by Fabergé.

How Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.

The retailer offered more fashion jewelry priced under $1,000, including lab-grown diamond and men’s jewelry.


The eau de parfum is held in a fluted glass bottle that mirrors the decor of the brand’s atelier, and its cap is a nod to its “Sloan” ring.

Vivek Gadodia and Juan Kemp, who’ve been serving as interim co-CEOs since February, will continue to lead the diamond mining company.

Roseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.

Witt’s Jewelry in Wayne, Nebraska, is the organization’s new milestone member.

Laurs is the editor-in-chief of Gem-A’s The Journal of Gemmology and an expert on the formation of colored gemstone deposits.

The man, who has a criminal history, is suspected of being the fourth member of the four-man crew that carried out the heist.

The single-owner collection includes one of the largest offerings of Verdura jewels ever to appear at auction, said Christie’s.

Michael Helfer has taken the reins, bringing together two historic Chicago jewelry names.

The guide features all-new platinum designs for the holiday season by brands like Harwell Godfrey, Ritani, and Suna.

During its Q3 call, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed the deal to lower tariffs on Swiss-made watches, watch market trends, and more.

Rosior’s high jewelry cocktail ring with orange sapphires and green diamonds is the perfect Thanksgiving accessory.

The “Embrace Your True Colors” campaign features jewels with a vibrant color palette and poetry by Grammy-nominated artist Aja Monet.

Luxury veteran Alejandro Cuellar has stepped into the role at the Italian fine jewelry brand.

The company gave awards to four students at the Namibia University of Science & Technology, including one who is a Grandview Klein employee.

She is remembered as an artist who loved her craft and was devoted to her faith, her friends, and her family.

It joins the company’s other manufacturing facilities globally, including in India, Botswana, and Namibia.

The polka dot pattern transcends time and has re-emerged as a trend in jewelry through round-shaped gemstones.

Vanessa Hickman, 49, allegedly sold a diamond bracelet that was mistakenly sent to her home.

GIA’s former president and CEO was presented with the Richard T. Liddicoat Award for Distinguished Achievement.

Social media experts spoke about protecting brand reputation through behaving mindfully online.

In 2026, the three will come together as “House of Brands,” with Gallet sold in Breitling stores and Universal Genève sold separately.

The second drop, which includes more Elphaba-inspired pieces from additional designers, will continue to benefit nonprofit Dreams of Hope.





















