Hi - I’m Josh, one of the owners of 17th St. Alex had a great last post, but if you don’t know her then chances are you really don’t know me. I’m solely on the back end of 17th St, and in NYC basically every other week. 

I started as an uber driver and bartender in college, and opened my first retail store with Adam (the 3rd 17th St owner) when I was 21. Through many, and I mean many trials and tribulations I now run multiple businesses. This one is my favorite. It was always what I wanted to do. I care the most about this so I stress the most. But I love it, because it moves. Every day is different. The market shifts, the inventory changes, a new competitor pops up, a logistical wrench is thrown in the mix, and if you’re not paying attention then you get left behind.

Through my adult life I’ve grown into being a technical person, and I source most of what comes through this store (roughly 800 items in March alone!?!). It’s difficult to articulate since it’s second nature now but we’re basically making bets on what people want to buy before they know they want it. Sometimes we’re right. Sometimes we’re wrong. The honest truth about luxury resale is that you’re always a few decisions away from a great week or a frustrating one, and the difference usually comes down to how close you’re paying attention.

What I’m watching right now is the customer that doesn’t want the obvious piece. They know what a Chanel flap is. I’m looking past that. They want the thing that signals taste without announcing itself - the vintage scarf, the subtly branded jewelry or accessory, the bag that makes people ask where they got it. That customer is who I’m sourcing for. That’s the job I care most about.

From driving uber to sourcing 1000 pieces in a single month. I can’t believe this is my job. Thank you for supporting it. More to come!

Josh Kilgore