A young entrepreneur, Chloe Francis, has found success in the world of fashion by buying and reselling clothes on the platform Depop, where she now makes over £2,000 a month. The 24-year-old from Nuneaton, Warwickshire, made the decision to quit her job at a fish and chip shop when she realised she was earning as much reselling clothes online as she was from her part-time job. Chloe’s journey into the world of online resale began in 2021, while she was completing her studies in fine art at Leeds Beckett University. She initially started by selling items from her wardrobe, but her passion for vintage fashion soon led her to turn this into a full-time venture.
Chloe’s success has been remarkable since she delved into reselling vintage clothing. After completing her master’s degree in 2023 and spending a year travelling, she made the leap to become a full-time reseller in October 2024. Her business, Retro Chlo’s Shop, has seen exponential growth, allowing her to exceed her profit goals each month and earn up to £2,000 regularly. Chloe focuses on sourcing eclectic vintage fashion, with a preference for brands such as Harley Davidson, Coogi, and Levis. She believes that fashion plays a crucial role in expressing one’s identity and boosting confidence.
During the lockdown in 2021, Chloe began reselling items from her wardrobe on Depop and quickly realised its potential. By the end of the year, she decided to leave her job at the fish and chip shop to pursue her passion for resale full time. Chloe continued her venture while travelling in 2023 and 2024, and upon returning, she ramped up her business operations. She collaborates with her grandmother to hunt for treasures in charity shops and utilises Fleek, a social marketplace, to source second-hand items at wholesale prices. Chloe also employs tools like Canva to curate mood boards and conducts video calls with wholesalers to select items for her collection.
Chloe’s eye for niche vintage pieces like Harley Davidson t-shirts and Coogi jumpers has been key to her success. By buying these items at favourable prices and reselling them at a higher value, she has been able to generate substantial income. Additionally, she utilises various social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest to showcase her collection and is in the process of launching a website to expand her reach. Chloe’s ultimate dream is to establish a physical store in Cornwall, where she can engage in face-to-face interactions with customers, reminiscent of the conversations she had at the chip shop.
To aspiring resellers, Chloe offers valuable tips, including staying informed about trending items, leveraging multiple selling platforms, starting with items from their own wardrobe, and embracing experimentation. She emphasises the importance of resilience and encourages others to try new approaches to find success in the competitive world of online resale. Chloe’s story is a testament to the opportunities that exist in the digital space for young entrepreneurs willing to take the leap and pursue their passions. Her dedication to vintage fashion and keen business acumen have allowed her to carve out a lucrative niche for herself, inspiring others along the way.