Is the sneaker resale market on its last legs? Think again. While some may believe the hype is fading, Oscar Rachmansky, founder of OS Group, argues that the industry isn’t dying—it’s simply transforming. And his business is proof. Instead of the traditional approach of flipping limited-edition sneakers one pair at a time, Rachmansky has built a $50 million empire by focusing on bulk supply to independent retailers across the U.S. But here’s where it gets controversial: in an era where individual resellers are struggling, OS Group is thriving by doing the exact opposite of what most expect.
Since launching in 2019, OS Group has skyrocketed from $1 million in revenue in 2020 to a projected $50 million by 2025. How? By curating a network of clients and vendors that fills a critical gap in the market. While peer-to-peer platforms like GOAT and StockX dominate headlines, Rachmansky saw an untapped opportunity in supplying smaller stores with in-demand products at scale. This isn’t just a business—it’s a revolution in how sneaker resale operates.
Rachmansky’s journey began humbly, using $1,000 in birthday money to start reselling sneakers as a high school side hustle. By the time he reached college, he’d turned that into $30,000 to $40,000, which became the seed funding for OS Group. But the real turning point came during the Covid-19 pandemic. While many businesses shuttered, the sneaker and streetwear resale markets exploded. Rachmansky pivoted, doubling down on a B2B model that catered to the surge of independent stores popping up nationwide.
“We became the one-stop shop for small businesses,” Rachmansky explains. “Instead of retailers sourcing shoes from malls or scattered suppliers, we handle the heavy lifting so they can focus on growth.” This approach resonated, and OS Group quickly expanded its team from a solo operation to 25 employees, sourcing footwear from over 800 sellers across 30 to 40 countries. They even partner directly with brands like Birth of a Royal Child and Retrovert to distribute trendy streetwear and accessories.
And this is the part most people miss: OS Group isn’t just supplying products—they’re building ecosystems. Take A Sneaker City, a resale chain that grew from one location in Albany, New York, to 12 nationwide after partnering with OS Group. Or Retrovert, a streetwear brand that gained exposure to 1,000 retailers through OS Group’s network. “They’re not just a supplier; they’re a partner,” says Retrovert owner Austin Morris.
But here’s the kicker: while traditional sneaker resale profits have slowed post-pandemic, OS Group’s model remains resilient. Yes, iconic sneakers like Air Jordan 1s and Nike Dunks have seen price drops, but brands like Asics, Hoka, and Salomon are on the rise. OS Group’s ability to adapt—and its lack of direct competition in the B2B space—positions it as a trailblazer.
So, is the sneaker resale market dying? Not if you ask Rachmansky. He’s already eyeing the next frontier: a tech-first platform connecting brands, resellers, and retailers in a Farfetch-like ecosystem. Ambitious? Absolutely. But given OS Group’s track record, it’s hard to bet against them.
What do you think? Is OS Group the future of sneaker resale, or is the market headed for a downturn? Let us know in the comments—we’re eager to hear your take!
