Global online retailer Temu has received a positive reception from South African shoppers, with its local business growing significantly since inception, it says. Temu, which made its local debut in January, has over 400 million app users across the globe, and was the most downloaded app in the first quarter of 2024. In June alone, the app was downloaded over 50 million times globally, making it more popular than Amazon’s marketplace app, according to research firm Statista.
Temu’s business model is based on a multi-segment marketplace, where listed third-party sellers offer a range of product categories, including fashion, household goods, home appliances, toys and electronics. Owned by the Chinese online retail giant PDD Holdings , the e-commerce platform says it has seen meteoric growth across the 71 markets where it operates, through offering affordable products and employing effective marketing campaigns. “We have seen strong demand from consumers in SA.
Shoppers tell us they welcome the access to quality products at affordable prices,” says a Temu spokesperson. “Household essentials are some of the most popular products on Temu. However, because we offer general merchandise in over 200 categories, we attract local customers with diverse needs.
” The e-tailer says it cannot disclose any growth numbers. Over the last few years, new online retailers have entered the market, shaking up the local landscape with low-cost products manufactured in China and free ship.
