Masato Yamamoto, an executive officer at e-commerce marketplace operator Mercari Inc., shared insights on the company's success and evolution. He highlighted that Mercari's popularity stems from people recognizing the value in unwanted goods that can be turned into assets. With the rise of Generation Z consumers who prioritize supporting their favorite characters or idols, the quick circulation of products has become a norm.
Yamamoto noted the shift in consumer behavior towards quickly circulating products rather than holding onto them indefinitely. The affordability and availability of used items on Mercari compared to new products have contributed to the platform's popularity. The changes in consumer preferences have been reflected in the shift from luxury brand goods to more accessible brands like Uniqlo, Nike, and Adidas.
Mercari's strategic expansion into services like the Merpay payment service, Mercoin virtual cryptocurrency, and Mercari Hallo staffing agency align with their goal of seamlessly integrating into users' daily lives. The company aims to enhance user-friendliness and service content to facilitate effortless buying and selling experiences. The recent success of Mercari Hallo, with 5 million users registering within three months, showcases the potential for growth in offering opportunities for individuals to earn and spend within the Mercari ecosystem.