"Yuji Jitsutani Shares His Passion for Narrating the Background of Each Item He Peddles"
"Yuji Jitsutani Shares His Passion for Narrating the Background of Each Item He Peddles"
The bustling streets of Tokyo might pulse with action, but enter Atlantis Vintage, and the city's fast rhythm slows down. Nestled within this boutique, lined with exquisitely chosen rows of Chanel, Hermès, and Louis Vuitton, you're greeted by Yuji Jitsutani. He's not just any International Sales Manager; he's a captivating and charismatic figure whose boundless passion transformed Atlantis Vintage into a prominent global destination for designer resale.
With Jitsutani, you sense more than just charm. It's his unmatched expertise and sincerity that truly stand out. Whether you're a novice buyer or a seasoned aficionado, he brings the same fervor to every interaction. "I relish sharing the story and journey of every product I sell," he admits. Watch him guide a British client through an Hermès Birkin's intricate details via FaceTime, providing explanations of its provenance, and it's like attending a first-rate luxury seminar. He doesn't merely dealing in bags; he facilitates connections between people and their bag's tales.
Atlantis Vintage has made significant strides in the booming luxury resale market, which is forecasted to escalate from $26.17 billion in 2023 to $69.59 billion by 2032. This growth is mainly driven by the evolving consumer attitudes. Millennials and Gen Z, in particular, are embracing eco-consciousness, the charm of unique possessions, and the accessibility of luxury through resale platforms. Social media plays a decisive role in this shift, empowering small businesses like Atlantis Vintage to flourish alongside industry titans such as The RealReal and Vestiaire Collective.
The RealReal is a powerful name in authenticated luxury consignment, using its digital-first platform to cater to a global audience. Vestiaire Collective focuses on community-driven buying and selling, mixing social bonds with commerce. Atlantis Vintage distinguishes itself by concentrating on intimate, bespoke experiences. The appointment-only policy ensures that clients receive Jitsutani's undivided attention, creating an exclusive and trustworthy environment.
"I desire to make every visit feel unparalleled, which is why the appointment system is so essential to me. It allows me to dedicate my full attention to each client, creating a serene and welcoming ambiance where they can leisurely browse and try on pieces," explains Jitsutani. "Moreover, I want to elaborate on each item's details and alert them to any potential concerns. Ofen, in Japan, luxury resale stores might feel a bit formal and intimidating. Our approach ensures we enjoy ourselves, taking a few selfies in the mirror to get a feel for what suits each client best." This appointment system also helps manage visitor numbers, making Atlantis Vintage an appealing destination for tourists who meticulously plan their visits.
For Jitsutani, authenticity is more than just a buzzword. Given counterfeit concerns in the industry, his expertise is indispensable. In fact, the Luxury Institute's survey reveals that 87% of affluent consumers rank product knowledge as the most crucial quality of a competent salesperson. Jitsutani embodies this, eagerly dissecting the item's condition, craftsmanship, history, and significance.
This expertise is crucial in the luxury resale market, where trust is paramount, and consumers eagerly demand credibility. Platforms like The RealReal have built their reputations on thorough authentication processes, ensuring that every item is legitimate. Smaller businesses like Atlantis Vintage further enrich this trust-building process, offering individualized consultations that make the buying experience as unforgettable as the purchase itself.
Social media has heightened these efforts, especially for brands targeting tech-savvy, younger audiences. On Instagram, where Atlantis Vintage has attracted a devoted following, users are drawn to genuine, unscripted, and informative content. Jitsutani's storytelling, product insights, and sneak peeks of rare finds resonates with an audience that craves transparency and connection.
"Our goal on Instagram is to reveal the true personality of Atlantis Vintage - the experiences of the store, the thrill of discovering newly-arrived unique pieces, and everyday clients enjoying their new treasures. Sharing my own enthusiasm as a vintage luxury bag collector, along with relatable moments like posing with cool bags or featuring actual client photos, fosters a connection that feels genuine and enjoyable," adds Jitsutani.
"I truly enjoy this aspect of the work and love experimenting with Instagram reels, venturing beyond the typical vintage luxury posts to create something distinct, lively, and engaging," he continues.
The creative generation values more than just the product; they seek experiences and yarns. Jitsutani fathoms this instinctively, spinning narratives that transform luxury items into relics of longing. But he's not solitary in this imperative; brands like Depop and Grailed have embraced the same appetite for storytelling and individuality, merging resale with creativity.
Recommerce, or the resale of pre-owned goods, is gathering speed for its environmental advantages. With fashion accounting for 10% of global carbon emissions, buying pre-owned has emerged as a tangible method for consumers to contribute. By prolonging the life cycle of luxury items, recommerce lessens waste and encourages more thoughtful consumption. Jitsutani swiftly brings attention to the fact that vintage pieces often boast craftsmanship and durability that newer items sometimes lack. “These bags were made to endure,” he claims, gesturing at a 30-year-old Louis Vuitton as if it were a priceless work of art.
Despite its expansion, the second-hand selling market isn't devoid of issues. Competition is tough, and the need for transparency is higher than ever. Sites like The RealReal have come under fire for their verification procedures, highlighting the significance of skill and trust in this sector. For smaller businesses such as Atlantis Vintage, this creates a chance to thrive by delivering a more individualized, customized service.
Leaving Atlantis Vintage, I ponder over what sets it apart. It's not just the carefully selected stock or the glamorous appeal of Jitsutani himself. It's how the shop manages to blend classic opulence with contemporary ease. Whether through a video call consultation or an Instagram live, he invites everyone to join in the delight of luxury, one narrative at a time.
While the luxury resale market is booming swiftly, Atlantis Vintage acts as a testament that prosperity isn't solely about size. It's about enthusiasm, competence, and genuineness. In a world becoming progressively controlled by algorithms and automation, this Tokyo store confirms that the personal touch continues to matter.
- Atlantis Vintage, known for its exclusive experiences, partners with recommerce platforms like The RealReal and Vestiaire Collective to reach a wider audience, enabling buyers to connect with the stories behind their luxury purchases.
- Yuji Jitsutani, the charismatic International Sales Manager at Atlantis Vintage, uses FaceTime to provide an in-depth analysis of a Birkin bag, discussing its provenance and craftsmanship, turning every transaction into a captivating learning experience.
- Tokyo's Atlantis Vintage stands out in the luxury resale market, not just by stocking renowned brands like Hermès and Louis Vuitton, but also by offering intimate consultant sessions and focusing on authenticity, gaining the trust of its clients and setting it apart from competitors.
- Yuji Jitsutani, an expert in luxury resale, acknowledges the importance of social media in connecting with younger audiences and fostering a genuine community, curating authentic, informative content on Instagram that resonates with his followers and continues to grow the popularity of Atlantis Vintage in Tokyo.