US online luxury consignment retailer The RealReal is expanding to Japan.

It has appointed Keisuke Seto, a former CEO of Groupon Japan, to spearhead its Japan operation.

“Our expansion to Japan validates the success of our high touch and high tech approach to the luxury resale market,” says founder and CEO Julie Wainwright.

“We have shipped over 250,000 items in the US market and believe there is a great opportunity in Japan for us to continue changing the way people buy and sell luxury items around the world.”

The newest addition is part of The RealReal’s continued global expansion plan. With over 1.2 million members, the site receives 1.5 million visitors per month and an estimated 70 per cent of the site’s consignors and consumers are repeat customers.

It currently offers its White Glove pick-up service of luxury items, free of charge, to consignors in 15 metropolitan areas throughout the US including New York City and its surrounding areas and now Japan.

The RealReal is a full service retailer offering customers authenticated, pre-owned, designer brands including Chanel, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Cartier, all at up to 90 per cent off original retail.

It takes possession of all items prior to sale in order for its merchandising team, authentication specialists and skilled gemologists to evaluate each item.

The company also offers buyers merchandise returns, with an in-house customer service team available to answer specific product questions.