S9 Ep16 THREDUP: Cynthia Lee, Head of Merchandising at ThredUp - on merchandising one of the largest online resale platforms, and curating a 20,000 piece vintage collection.

S9 Ep16 THREDUP: Cynthia Lee, Head of Merchandising at ThredUp - on merchandising one of the largest online resale platforms, and curating a 20,000 piece vintage collection.

Author: Emily Stochl May 12, 2025 Duration: 44:22

Inside ThredUp's Massive Vintage Collection with Cynthia Lee:

On today's show, we're chatting with Cynthia Lee, the Head of Merchandising at ThredUp, who have just launched a limited-time, first-of-its kind curated assortment of more than 20,000 vintage pieces in partnership with Beyond Retro.

From childhood treasure-hunting on San Francisco's Haight Street to managing millions of unique daily listings, Cynthia brings 15 years of merchandising expertise from powerhouse brands like Neiman Marcus, eBay, StockX, and Sephora.

A lover of vintage herself, Cynthia spearheaded this initiative, and she's coming on the show today to share how it all came together. Plus, what's involved in merchandising when you're talking about millions of unique digital listings, why "flawed gems" deserve a second life, and what's ahead for the industry in 2025.

Consider this your exclusive behind-the-scenes look at ThredUp's team "knee-deep in boxes" while curating this massive vintage collection! Let's dive right in: 

DISCUSSED IN THE EPISODE:

  • [4:03] A lifelong fashion lover whose family was in the fabric business, Cynthia grew up appreciating quality clothing and shopping vintage on Haight Street.
  • [6:17] The evolving art of merchandising across luxury and digital platforms for brands like eBay, StockX, Sephora, and Neiman Marcus.
  • [14:41]  The daily challenge of merchandising and curating 50,000 new unique listings at ThredUp
  • [18:07] What's changed the most in the secondhand industry since Cynthia started doing this work.
  • [21:48] Why secondhand doesn't devalue luxury brands—it makes them more accessible
  • [24:07] What's trending in the secondhand fashion industry in 2025.
  • [27:16] Sorting through hundreds of boxes for ThredUp's x Beyond Retro 20,000 piece vintage collaboration
  • [35:05] How this vintage activation might shape future offerings at ThredUp.

EPISODE MENTIONS: 

LET'S CONNECT: 

SPECIAL THANKS: 

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Every week, Emily Stochl invites you into a conversation that goes far beyond the clothing rack. Pre-Loved Podcast with Emily Stochl is built on the idea that every second-hand garment has a past, and that exploring those histories makes our present style more meaningful. Rather than just offering shopping tips, each episode feels like sitting down with a fascinating friend who shares your passion for vintage, digging into the many layers of what it means to wear pre-owned fashion. You’ll hear from a diverse range of guests-from collectors and stylists to entrepreneurs and historians-as they explore not only personal style but also the practicalities of running a resale business, the complexities of the global second-hand market, and the environmental ethos behind choosing used over new. The heart of this podcast lives in those incredible stories: the serendipitous flea market find, the garment that carries a decade of memories, or the simple, powerful act of giving a piece a new life. Emily guides these discussions with genuine curiosity, making each topic accessible whether you're a seasoned thrifter or just curious about sustainable fashion. It’s a thoughtful, engaging look at how what we wear connects to culture, art, beauty, and the kind of mindful consumption that can reshape an industry. Tune in for a fresh perspective that celebrates the character, sustainability, and deep personal connection found in pre-loved fashion.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Pre-Loved Podcast with Emily Stochl
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