Mercari Japan Launches M Department Offering Authenticated Luxury, Refurbished Tech
Mercari is moving further beyond its peer-to-peer roots in Japan with m department, a separate marketplace for professionally refurbished electronics and authenticated luxury goods.
The service launched July 14 with 88 approved businesses offering smartphones, tablets, laptops, cameras, watches, bags, clothing and other higher-value products. Electronics are inspected, cleaned and covered by a 180-day repair or replacement warranty, while luxury goods are authenticated by participating specialists.
Return periods range from seven days for cameras and lenses to 30 days for smartphones, tablets and laptops. Authenticated luxury goods may be returned within 10 days.
M department is aimed at one of the biggest obstacles in secondhand ecommerce. Buyers who are comfortable purchasing an inexpensive used item from an individual seller may be more cautious when the transaction involves a phone, computer or luxury bag.
Mercari’s survey found roughly 70% of respondents had concerns about buying used luxury goods or electronics. Counterfeit risk was the leading concern for luxury products, while electronics buyers cited defects, battery deterioration and other problems that may not be obvious before purchase.
More than 80% said quality guarantees were important when buying higher-value used goods.
The site operates separately from the main Mercari app in Japan, though buyers can use proceeds from Mercari sales to make purchases through m department.
No plans have been announced to bring m department to the US, but other recent moves by Mercari make the possibility worth watching.
The company named former Vice President of Growth Jeff LeBeau CEO of Mercari US effective July 1 as it works to turn improving financial results into stronger buyer growth and retention.
Liz Morton
Mercari US reported its first full-year profit for fiscal 2025, followed by a quarter in which GMV increased 12% year over year to about $196 million. The business remains much smaller than eBay and has struggled to create sustained growth without relying on fee changes, promotions and other incentives.
Mercari also launched a separate Global App for US buyers in June, providing access to products listed on Mercari and Mercari Shops in Japan. Mercari manages payment, shipping, tracking and inspection before final delivery, giving it experience with a more controlled cross-border marketplace model.
Liz Morton
A US version of m department would put Mercari into more direct competition with eBay Refurbished, which gives approved professional sellers special condition labels, warranty coverage and greater visibility for eligible products.
eBay has increasingly promoted that inventory alongside competing new and used electronics, including recommendations showing buyers how much they could save or how little more they would pay for a warranty-backed refurbished item.
M department also extends beyond electronics into authenticated luxury goods, giving it some overlap with both eBay Refurbished and eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee programs.
Mercari is already planning to expand the available categories and launch a purchasing service in early 2027, potentially allowing consumers to sell products directly into the professional resale channel.
