To allow a user to easily compare articles by combining a plurality of pieces of article attribute information to which the user attaches importance in the selection of articles.

A terminal 103 transmits search requirements (step S1) and transmits a key selected in association with each coordinate axis of a three-dimensional virtual space (step S2). A system searches the retained pieces of article attribute information (step S3) for article attribute information in a way corresponding to the search requirements transmitted from the terminal (step S4), and creates electronic catalogue arrangement information including the arrangement of articles on the three-dimensional virtual space (step S5), this information being obtained when the retrieved piece of article attribute information which corresponds to the key transmitted from the terminal is converted into coordinate values based on rules of conversion. The electronic catalogue arrangement information created is transmitted to the terminal (step S6) and the terminal receives the electronic catalogue arrangement information and displays an electronic catalogue (step S7).