Former Gymshark Chairman appointed as Chairman of fashion resale start-up

Fashion resale start-up Haru has appointed former Gymshark Chairman Paul Richardson as its new Chairman, with the business aiming to become a dominant player in the second-hand fashion space.

Haru's platform enables retailers, including clothing brands, to accept and resell pre-loved products, while giving charities an online selling option with little effort or investment. Last year, the Belfast e-commerce business secured a £450,000 investment to strengthen its digital offering.

The business is currently working with almost 300 charity shops, enabling them to sell premium preloved fashion online.

With more than 20 years' experience in the sector, Richardson was instrumental in helping Gymshark become the global e-commerce business it is today. Prior to that, he was a joint owner and Director of AllSaints, expanding the brand from five to 12 stores between 2002 and 2004.

Richardson recently became the owner and Executive Chairman at Cheltenham-based streetwear brand HERA, where he is helping to grow the streetwear brand into a £100 million fashion label.

Speaking of his new role, Richardson said: "I am delighted to be appointed as the first Chairman of Haru. I look forward to working with the team and helping to develop the company into a leading and world-class sustainable shopping platform in this booming sector.

"We have ambitious targets to fulfil, but I know that with my help, we can expand the business domestically and internationally, bringing sustainable fashion to everyone."

Jacques Hill, Co-founder of Haru added: "We are excited to have Mr Richardson on board, helping to make our visions a reality. The past few years have seen more consumers turn to online shopping. We are also witnessing more shoppers than ever looking for an affordable and sustainable alternative. Our service gives retailers the opportunity to access the growing second-hand market, while giving consumers more choice of quality assured, second-hand items.

"I believe, that under Mr Richardson’s guidance we can grow into a world leader in the sector, supporting global retailers to enter and grow in the second-hand market and making fashion more sustainable."