Sign of the Times Expands North: Luxury Resale Arrives in Manchester & Cheshire

London | September 6, 2025 — Pioneering London-based luxury resale platform Sign of the Times is extending its reach into Manchester and Cheshire, marking a milestone in its nearly 30-year journey. With this move, the brand brings its full-service consignment model—long trusted in London—to two of the UK's most style-conscious regions. This expansion reflects the growing momentum in the luxury resale market, where second-hand luxury fashion has become the first choice for discerning consumers.

What the Expansion Offers

Residents in Manchester and Cheshire will now enjoy end-to-end convenience:

• Complimentary Collection: Luxury pieces picked up directly from sellers, free of charge.
• Expert Authentication & Valuation: Every item verified and appraised by seasoned specialists.
• Seamless Payments: Sellers receive prompt, secure payments through the platform.
• VIP Concierge Service: High-profile sellers gain access to bespoke support via WhatsApp.

This comprehensive service model aligns with broader trends in the luxury resale sector, where companies like Tradesy have raised significant funding to enhance their platforms and user experience.

What They Accept

• Designer pieces from one to three seasons prior.
• Labels spanning global superbrands and contemporary names.
• Each item listed through a global selling network, maximizing reach and accelerating sales.

Why It Matters

Founded nearly three decades ago, Sign of the Times began by curating pre-loved celebrity wardrobes and has since evolved into a leading name in authenticated luxury resale. Its ethos combines circular economy principles with modern accessibility, positioning resale not only as an eco-conscious choice but also as a stylishly practical one.

CEO Antonia Johnstone frames the move as timely: "With rising local demand for home collections, this expansion feels both strategic and natural."

The Luxury Resale Market Evolution

Sign of the Times' expansion reflects the maturation of the luxury resale market, where companies are increasingly embracing the new world of pre-owned luxury. The sector has seen significant consolidation, with major players like Farfetch acquiring pre-owned luxury platforms to strengthen their circular economy offerings.

Launch in Style

The Northern debut will be marked by exclusive events in Manchester featuring:

• Tastemaker Stacey Forsey.
• Luxury setting at King Street Townhouse hotel.
• Collaborations with fine jewelry house Boodles.

Overview: Sign of the Times Goes North

Industry Context and Sustainability Focus

The expansion comes at a time when the fashion industry is increasingly focused on sustainability initiatives. This mirrors broader industry trends, including how luxury brands are implementing comprehensive sustainability reporting and how organizations are working to promote sustainability in fashion through technology partnerships.

The Bigger Picture

By bringing its trusted model to Manchester and Cheshire, Sign of the Times not only expands geographically but also strengthens its mission: making luxury circular, sustainable, and accessible. With Northern fashion culture on the rise, this expansion positions the brand as both a custodian of heritage luxury and a champion of responsible style for the future.

This strategic move reflects the broader evolution of luxury retail, where established luxury institutions are creating new retail destinations and innovative companies are finding ways to make luxury more accessible while maintaining authenticity and quality.

As the luxury resale market continues to mature, Sign of the Times' expansion into Manchester and Cheshire represents a significant milestone in bringing authenticated, sustainable luxury to new markets, demonstrating that responsible consumption and luxury can successfully coexist in today's fashion landscape.