Poshmark Warns of Marketing Hit From Apple’s Ad Tracking Changes

Secondhand retailer Poshmark Inc. on Tuesday forecast third-quarter revenue largely below estimates and warned that its marketing efforts were taking a hit from Apple Inc’s new privacy controls over digital advertising tracking.

Poshmark’s shares slipped 7 percent in after hours trading, poised to settle more than 25 percent below its initial public offering price in January.

Apple in April enforced a rule requiring developers to seek permission for gathering data that can be used to track users across other sites and apps. Facebook Inc had criticised the policy, saying it could harm customers.

Poshmark, which relies on social media marketing to draw in shoppers, felt the impact of Apple’s new policy late in the second quarter and expects it to continue into the current quarter as well, chief executive Manish Chandra told Reuters in a call.

The company forecast third-quarter revenue of $81 million to $83 million, with the mid-point slightly below estimates of $82.4 million.

But Chandra was confident the effects of Apple’s policy were only temporary, as Poshmark has been spending heavily on alternatives such as TV ads and tie-ups with celebrities like Marie Kondo.

“It will work itself out as we go through the quarter and the second half, largely because our channels are quite diversified and super adaptable,” Chandra said.

Poshmark said revenue rose 22 percent to $81.8 million in the second quarter, beating Refinitiv IBES estimates of $80.3 million, as it pulled in thrifty young buyers looking for more environmentally sustainable ways to shop for everything from pre-owned T-shirts to high-end boutique dresses.

The Delta variant of the coronavirus was not a major concern for Poshmark in its revenue outlook, Chandra said.

Smaller rival ThredUp Inc’s shares rose over 7 percent on Tuesday after its second-quarter revenue surpassed estimates. It also forecast third-quarter revenue above expectations.

By Uday Sampath; editor: Devika Syamnath.

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