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Rakuten and eBay are testing demand for used Japanese fashion in the US

Posted on by darion

eBay will be listing select Rakuma merchandise for sale on its site. Source: Sergei Elagin via Shutterstock.com.

E-commerce platform eBay has partnered with Japanese technology company Rakuten Group to test the U.S. market’s demand for used Japanese fashion goods.

The strategic partnership launched on May 8, 2024, with seven suppliers from Rakuten’s used goods unit, Rakuma.

The partners want to take advantage of the continued depreciation of the Japanese yen, which has fallen to its lowest level in 34 years against the US dollar. This has boosted cross-border trade between the Asian country and abroad.

This partnership allows eBay to list select Rakuma merchandise on its platform, while a Rakuten contract supplier manages shipping and customer service in the US.

Users of the US eBay website will be able to purchase some of the products listed on the official Rakuma store. Initially, we focus on second-hand fashion and accessories.

Reuters quoted Rakuma CEO Kenichiro Hasegawa: “Due to the use of cases and covers… these used goods are in quite good condition. To say something is ‘used in Japan’ gives it immediate value.”

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

Rakuten has not yet set a sales target for its venture, but success with its early adopters could lead to expansion to all Rakuma stores and users on eBay.

According to eBay Japan category managing director Naoki Kitamura, the company’s goal is to expand the availability of Rakuma’s offering to Canada, Australia, the UK and Germany.

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

It recently launched a new “resell on eBay” feature aimed at simplifying the process of listing clothing for resale.