Our Story
"Starting with our founder's interest in used designer bags for her own use, Glück & Glanz is now a company with 18 employees and makes thousands of enthusiastic customers happy every day."
The journey begins
In 2014 , as a student at the age of 24, our founder Phillis began buying used designer handbags for her own use – in keeping with the idea that still shapes Glück & Glanz’s business today: “Everyone has the right to a designer handbag.”
"The best bags at the best price" – with this claim, Phillis wasn't satisfied with just anything that came along. She only wanted the most beautiful bags, in top condition, at fair prices – and her enthusiasm quickly spread to her friends. Suddenly, everyone wanted designer handbags.
Over time, she learned how to recognize genuine bags, developed a sense for quality – and pursued her idea further, far beyond her own needs.
From Instagram to online shop
Phillis began sharing her finds on Instagram, occasionally offering bags from her collection for sale. The demand grew steadily, and her circle of friends and acquaintances soon developed into a small customer base.
“The shared apartment as a warehouse”
Initially, the bags were sold directly from the shared apartment, which gradually transformed into a veritable warehouse for luxury bags. At some point, the value of the apartment's contents exceeded that of the property itself.
Finally, it was her friend Mirko who persuaded her to turn Glück & Glanz into a proper online shop and company.to turn Glück & Glanz into a proper online shop and company.
From lifestyle market to first boutique
In 2015, Phillis and Mirko first tried out local design and lifestyle markets to test the idea, and the idea of a company eventually became a firm decision. "People who didn't know us in 2015 were skeptical: Can you just buy used luxury handbags online? The answer was often: No.
"Showroom & office on 30 sqm"
So Phillis and Mirko decided to rent an office with a showroom. In the fall of 2015, it eventually became the first real Glück & Glanz boutique – a whopping 30 square meters in Cologne's Südstadt district. Sarah joined the company as the first employee right at the opening. Today, she is Project and Development Manager at Glück & Glanz. Glück & Glanz had finally entered the real world as a physical store, and customers loved it. The Glück & Glanz team was now able to get to know the people who had previously only been email addresses or order numbers.
From the southern part of the city to the city center
2017 Glück & Glanz grew steadily – and in March 2017, the first expansion was planned. A larger store was needed, and one was quickly found on Sankt-Apern-Straße, in the heart of Cologne's city center: 180 square meters on three floors.
“Finally room for happiness & shine”
With sales space, office space, and warehouse spread across three floors, there was finally room for everything the growing company needed. A photo studio and workshop also found their place, allowing the team to continue to grow.
After five highly successful years at this location – and having overcome the coronavirus crisis – not only had the team changed, but so had the demands on the business. The search for a new location began.
From the side street to the A-location
2023 This year marks a brilliant new chapter in the history of Glück & Glanz: the move to Pfeilstraße – right in the vibrant prime location of Cologne’s city center.
The move from the quieter location into the heart of the city was a significant milestone. The new premises not only offer significantly more space for the ever-growing product range, but above all, one thing: visibility and genuine proximity to customers.
“Increased visibility in Pfeilstrasse”
Here, in the hustle and bustle of the city center, Glück & Glanz can present its wide range of high-quality bags and accessories in a modern, inviting ambience.
With 18 employees (as of February 2025), Glück & Glanz has already made tens of thousands of customers from all over the world happy – with tested designer pieces, honest advice and an eye for quality.
Growth & New Spaces
In 2025, another milestone was reached:
The retail space was expanded to a total of 400 square meters. The back office, in particular, was enlarged to create even more space for our growing range of bags.
Additionally, Studio Glück was added – a flexible pop-up space in the heart of Cologne:
"Your Concept. Our Space."
With 50 m² and a 5-meter-wide storefront, the studio offers a stage for creative visions, brands, and ideas in the heart of the city.
Today
Today, Glück & Glanz is an established company with around 20 employees and a clear mission:
to make high-quality designer pieces accessible – with tested quality, honest advice, and great attention to detail.
Tens of thousands of customers worldwide already trust Glück & Glanz.
And the journey continues.
