Connect with us

Fashion

Rakuten and eBay to trial demand for used Japanese fashion in US

Published

1 month ago

on

eBay will list Rakuma’s selected goods for sale on its site. Credit: Sergei Elagin via Shutterstock.com.

E-commerce marketplace eBay has teamed up with Japanese technology company the Rakuten Group to test the US market’s demand for used Japanese fashion goods. 

The strategic partnership began on 8 May 2024 with seven vendors from Rakuten’s second-hand goods unit, Rakuma. 

The partners aim to exploit the continuing depreciation of the Japanese yen, which has dropped to its lowest level in 34 years against the US dollar. This has stimulated cross-border trade between the Asian country and overseas. 

The collaboration allows eBay to list selected goods from Rakuma on its platform, with a Rakuten-contracted vendor managing shipping and US customer service.  

Users of eBay’s US site will be able to purchase some products listed on the Rakuma official shop. The focus is initially on used fashion and accessories.

Reuters quoted Rakuma general manager Kenichiro Hasegawa: “Because of the use of cases and covers … these second-hand goods are in quite good shape. To say something is ‘used in Japan’ gives some immediate value.” 

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles
on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free
sample

Your download email will arrive shortly

We are confident about the
unique
quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most
beneficial
decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by
submitting the below form

By GlobalData







Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Rakuten Rakuma believes that listing on eBay will enable it to expand its sales channels and promote overseas sales for store operators. 

Rakuten has yet to set a sales target for the venture, but success with the initial vendors could lead to an expansion to include all Rakuma shops and users on eBay.

According to eBay Japan category management head Naoki Kitamura, the company aims to broaden the availability of Rakuma’s offerings to Canada, Australia, the UK and Germany. 

eBay reports that used and refurbished items constitute approximately 40% of its gross merchandise volume.  

It recently launched a new “resell on eBay” feature designed to simplify the process of listing clothing for resale.   


Related Topics:
Continue Reading