Mercari: A Global Marketplace for Secondhand Goods
Mercari is a prominent e-commerce company that has rapidly grown into a leading community-powered marketplace, particularly known for its focus on secondhand items. Founded in Japan in 2013, Mercari has expanded its reach to include the United States, the United Kingdom, Taiwan, and its home country of Japan.
History and Growth
Kouzoh, Inc., now known as Mercari, Inc., was established in February 2013 by Shintaro Yamada. The Mercari marketplace app launched in Japan in July of the same year for both iOS and Android devices. Mercari quickly gained traction, becoming Japan’s largest community-powered marketplace, processing over JPY 10 billion in transactions monthly. As of December 16, 2017, the app had been downloaded over 100 million times worldwide, making Mercari the first Japanese company to achieve unicorn status.
Global Presence
Mercari’s expansion began with a launch in the United States in 2014, followed by the United Kingdom in 2016. Mercari.com serves as a central hub for users in these regions to buy and sell a wide variety of items.
What You Can Buy and Sell on Mercari
Mercari offers a diverse range of products, including:
Key Features and Benefits
Mercari aims to provide a hassle-free marketplace experience. Key features include:
- A user-friendly mobile app
- A wide selection of items
- Opportunities to identify deals on pre-owned goods
- Free shipping on many listings
Company Information
Headquarters: Minato, Tokyo, Japan
Founder: Shintaro Yamada, Ryo Ishizuka, Tommy Tomishima
CEO: Shintaro Yamada
Stock Exchange: Tokyo Stock Exchange (TYO: 4385)
Additional Resources
Keep reading