Rakuten and eBay are teaming up to test the U.S. market for used Japanese fashion goods

Japan’s Rakuten Group is working with eBay to test U.S. demand for used Japanese fashion goods, which have become cheaper with the yen near a 34-year low.

The merger, which launched on May 8 and included just seven suppliers from Rakuten’s second-hand goods division, Rakuma, is intended to take advantage of the currency effect and also represents a step toward bargain hunting as cost-of-living pressures around the world curb spending.

In exchange for a commission from sales, eBay lists select Rakuma merchandise on its website, and a Rakuten partner handles shipping and customer service in the United States.