Zenbird Editorial TeamBookoff Group Holdings Ltd. and Itochu Corporation have entered a capital and business alliance, aimed at expanding reuse services by leveraging Itochu’s extensive retail network, including approximately 16,400 FamilyMart stores across Japan.
The companies intend to increase the reuse population and promote the effective use of resources by making reuse more accessible in daily life. The domestic reuse market in Japan continues to grow, with projections suggesting it will reach 4 trillion yen by 2030. This growth is driven by the global shift towards a circular economy and a rising consumer preference for value amidst inflation.
The collaboration focuses on four primary areas. First, the companies will strengthen the procurement of used goods by utilising the FamilyMart store network. Second, they plan to expand premium reuse services and improve customer attraction. Third, the partnership will drive international business growth. Finally, the two entities will work together to launch new business initiatives.
Bookoff, which began as a used bookstore in 1990, currently operates around 840 stores globally and seeks to elevate the social value of the reuse industry. The FamilyMart network serves approximately 18 million customers daily and holds a database of 55 million IDs for retail media and financial services. Furthermore, Itochu operates roughly 90 bases across 61 countries. The alliance combines Bookoff’s operational expertise in reuse with Itochu’s domestic and international infrastructure.
Bookoff stores in Japan handle diverse items such as trading cards, apparel, and luxury goods. The company also maintains approximately 320 “R-LOOP” collection boxes for clothing and sundries. This new alliance will integrate these capabilities into more convenient locations for consumers.
[Reference] Bookoff Group Holdings News (Japanese)
