The Gazelle story began with the realization that if you can trade in a used car you should be able to trade in a used phone. A new business and a new way to reuse consumer electronics was born. Gazelle opened its doors in 2007 and began pioneering the idea of reCommerce.The Gazelle story began with the realization that if you can trade in a used car you should be able to trade in a used phone. A new business and a new way to reuse consumer electronics was born. Gazelle opened its doors in 2007 and began pioneering the idea of reCommerce.