With online sales increasingly common amid the novel coronavirus crisis, consumers can now buy even expensive artwork and cars through their computers and smartphones, items that were once limited to face-to-face purchases.
Department stores and automakers are increasingly focusing on online sales, which spread as a result of so-called stay-at-home demand. They believe customers are now amenable to buying even high-priced products this way.
The Daimaru Shinsaibashi department store in Chuo Ward, Osaka, has introduced an online sales service for an ongoing exhibition featuring about 30 works by famous contemporary artists, such as Yayoi Kusama and American artist KAWS. Prices range from 100,000 yen to 16 million yen.
Customers can visit the venue in person, but for those who wish to shop online, advance reservations were accepted through a dedicated website. Customers can view the artwork on their smartphones or tablet devices, and get information from sales staff at the venue. If they see a piece they like, they can buy it online.
Department stores expanded their online sales due to the novel coronavirus crisis. However, the initial purpose was primarily to avoid contact between customers and sales staff, and sales were mainly of cosmetics and clothing.
When Daimaru held an online sales event of artwork for its best customers during the period when the store was closed due a state of emergency, Daimaru received more orders than expected, so it decided to expand the service to general customers.
"More and more consumers are willing to shop via the internet, regardless of their age group or the product they're buying," a staffer in charge said.
Online car sales
New cars are another item that can now be bought online.
Honda Motor Co. launched a service this month in Tokyo that allows customers to complete everything from negotiations to estimates and contracts online. It is said to be the first of its kind among Japanese automakers.
Toyota Motor Corp. has also introduced a system for online sales negotiations.
Likewise, Sekisui House, Ltd. and Sumitomo Real Estate Sales Co. are holding online tours for houses and condominiums on sale.
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