Rakuten Rakuma Sets Sights on US Market with eBay Trial

Tokyo, May 8, 2024 - Rakuten Group, Inc. today announced that its community-powered marketplace app Rakuten Rakuma has started listing products on eBay from select Rakuma Official Shops on a trial basis. Users of eBay.com will now be able to purchase a variety of re-use items listed on Rakuma Official Shops starting today.

Opening an e-commerce business in an overseas online marketplace requires a specialized skill set and expertise in handling the complex procedures required for international deliveries and providing multilingual customer support. Together with eBay, Rakuten Rakuma will support businesses with these processes, providing a program that enables Rakuma Official Shop merchants to sell products in the U.S. trouble-free. Rakuten Rakuma aims to expand customer channels for Rakuma Official Shops, thereby promoting merchants’ international sales. Going forward, Rakuten Rakuma will consider launching full-scale services with Rakuma Official Shops on eBay, based on the response to the trial.

In recent years, second-hand products from Japan have sparked significant interest from international buyers. These products, often labeled “Used in Japan,” are renowned for their excellent condition and affordable price. In addition, the weak Japanese yen has provided further incentive for buyers from overseas to look to Japan for bargains. As the demand for pre-loved products grows dramatically, particularly in the U.S., eBay's primary market, it provides a significant opportunity for Rakuten Rakuma to expand sales channels for Japanese products via eBay.com.

According to recent annual sales figures for Japanese merchants on eBay, announced by eBay Japan Co., Ltd., the "Women's Apparel & Bag Brand Accessories" and "Watches, Parts & Accessories" categories maintained their top positions for the second consecutive year in 2023^*1. Taking this into account, Rakuten Rakuma will primarily list products in the fashion category during the trial period.

Together, Rakuten Rakuma and eBay are committed to realizing an innovative e-commerce platform that delivers unparalleled convenience and value for both consumers and business customers alike.

Service Overview
Start date: May 8, 2024 (Japan Standard Time)
Overview: Rakuten Rakuma to list select products from Rakuma Official Shops on eBay.com
Linked platform: eBay.com
Participating shops: Seven Rakuma Official Shop merchants offering fashion products (*As of May 8. Number of participating shops to be expanded in the future)

eBay
eBay Inc. (Nasdaq: EBAY) is a global commerce leader that connects people and builds communities to create economic opportunity for all. Our technology empowers millions of buyers and sellers in more than 190 markets around the world, providing everyone the opportunity to grow and thrive. Founded in 1995 in San Jose, California, eBay is one of the world's largest and most vibrant marketplaces for discovering great value and unique selection. In 2023, eBay enabled more than $73 billion of gross merchandise volume. For more information about the company and its global portfolio of online brands, visit www.ebayinc.com　

eBay Japan
As a Japanese subsidiary of eBay Inc., we provide cross-border EC support for Japanese sellers through the online marketplace "eBay".  (https://www.ebay.co.jp/)

About Rakuten Rakuma
Launched in February 2018, Rakuten Rakuma was created when Frill, the first consumer commerce app in Japan which launched in July 2012, merged with the Rakuten Group-operated service Rakuma. By expanding the circular economy where products are passed on rather than thrown away and creating a world of e-commerce that is easy for everyone to use, Rakuten Rakuma intends to drive the growth of the circulation market and contribute to the creation of a circular society.

Notes
*1 Source: eBay Japan 2023 Cross-Border EC Report
https://ebay.co.jp/release/20240307