Clearco enabled a business model shift for Cecil & Lou, which now accounts for 60% of revenue

Cecil & Lou began as an auction in 2011 and still has a large pre-sale orders business. But due to shifting customer expectations, Cecil & Lou also launched in-stock purchases so customers can access products immediately.

“[Customers] are looking to get a product in 2-3 days. Clearco allows us to get our hands on inventory quickly by funding our inventory. We can serve these customers immediately and place orders with our manufacturers.”

Pre-orders are still popular for Cecil & Lou. The addition of instant purchases of in stock inventory allows their customers to easily plan for future occasions or grab an outfit last minute. It’s opened up a whole new customer segment and allows Ashley and Blythe to better understand who their customers are and what they need.

“We can use Clearco funds and get instant profit rather than wait on profits. The amount we have been funded by Clearco is paid off once we realize the inventory revenue so we never carry debt on our business.”

In the first quarter of 2024, Cecil & Lou notes that 60% of their product sales have come from in stock orders which Clearco has effectively financed, while 40% of sales reflect pre-sale orders on their site. The high growth in their in stock product sales has been a 180 from their auction style in the early days and complements their pre-sale orders.

“We have never had to take outside investors or give away a percent of our company. This is a huge benefit from working with Clearco - our company is ours.”

It’s been 13 years since Ashley and Blythe launched their company, and growth on all fronts has been exponential ever since. Clearco has been a proud partner of Cecil & Lou since 2022, funding their inventory, and enabling a new business model to take root and bring in additional revenue.