Consignment store (East Asia)

Consignment store (Chinese: 格仔鋪) is a transformation of flea market,[1] which sets up many transparent boxes in a small shop for people to rent and sell their products.

[3] Consignment stores were founded in Tokyo's Akihabara shopping district and Hirai Toshio originated the idea.

The store was popular among young men and white-collar workers in Japan when this concept had just started, and it had aroused the mass media's attention for reporting.

[4] Since the consignment stores became really popular in Japan, the idea developed in Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau.

The transparent plastic depots are leased to potential renters to sell their products and post promotional leaflets for advertising.

They allows people, who first start the business, to adapt to the market's needs and can quit more easily if they fail to make profits.

Moreover, some shops offer a comprehensive online system for renters to check the quantity of products sold and profits daily.

Also, renting the boxes in consignment stores can reduce the operating costs, for instance the renters do not need to pay for electricity or other sundry expenses.

Consignment stores are usually centralized in the same floor or area in shopping malls so that customers can compare the products easily in the diversified world of boxes.

Low cost products become a gimmick of consignment stores as customers could buy more with lower price.

Once the cosmetic goods do not suit their needs, they could replace them within a short period of time as small portion could be used up quickly.

Furthermore, the small size of portion provides the sense of fresh and drives customers to have the mindsets of trying more various goods before choosing the most suitable one.

Also, It is important to sell the most trendy goods in order to suit the taste of the younger generations, who are the greatest part of customers.

This is welcomed by some, as this platform provides them flexibility to showcase their interest and efforts without affecting their career, and profits might be foreseeable.

[10] Transformation of customers' role Consignment stores offer spaces for people who are interested in selling their products yet do not have adequate operating tactics.

The operating cost of online shops is low without the need to rent a place and advertisements can easily be conducted on forums and social platforms.