Current:Home > InvestAmazon launches an online discount storefront to better compete with Shein and Temu -WealthMindset Learning
Amazon launches an online discount storefront to better compete with Shein and Temu
View
Date:2025-04-19 01:47:54
Amazon has launched a low-cost online storefront featuring electronics, apparel and other products priced at under $20, an effort to compete with discount retailers that have increasingly encroached on the e-commerce giant’s turf.
In a blog post on Wednesday, the company said the new Amazon Haul storefront will mostly feature products that cost less than $10 and offer free delivery on orders over $25. Amazon plans to ship the products to U.S. customers from a warehouse it operates in China, according to documentation the company provided to sellers. Amazon said Haul orders could arrive within one to two weeks.
Many of the available products on the storefront Wednesday resembled the types of items typically found on Shein and Temu, the China-founded e-commerce platforms that have grown in popularity in recent years.
Shein’s core customers are young women enticed by the low-cost apparel sold on the site. Temu offers clothing, accessories, kitchen gadgets and a broad array of other products for bargain-hungry shoppers.
Temu and Shein often get criticism over the environmental impact of the ultra-fast fashion business model the two companies follow. They have also faced scrutiny from lawmakers and regulators in the U.S. and abroad over other issues, including some of the products on their platforms.
Amazon’s new storefront, which is only available on its shopping app and mobile website, features unbranded products, such a phone case and a hairbrush that cost $2.99, and a sleeveless dress that retails for $14.99. The company is seeking to drive home its message on value, with banners on its page advertising “crazy low prices” and activewear “that won’t stretch your budget.”
“Finding great products at very low prices is important to customers, and we continue to explore ways that we can work with our selling partners so they can offer products at ultra-low prices,” Dharmesh Mehta, Amazon’s vice president of Worldwide Selling Partner Services, said in a statement. “It’s early days for this experience, and we’ll continue to listen to customers as we refine and expand it in the weeks and months to come.”
To be sure, importing goods out of China could soon become more expensive for Amazon. In September, the Biden administration said it was cracking down on cheap products sold out of China, a move designed to reduce U.S. dependence on Beijing but could also trigger higher prices for the U.S. consumers who have flocked to Shein and Temu. President-elect Donald Trump has also proposed a 60% tariff on goods from China.
Amazon announced other news this week.
The company said it was shutting down its free, ad-supported streaming service Freevee and consolidating the content under Prime Video, which now also features ads for Prime members who refuse to pay extra to avoid them.
The Seattle-based tech company confirmed Wednesday that it will phase out Freevee in the coming weeks, a move that it says is intended to “deliver a simpler viewing experience for customers.” All Freevee content that’s currently streaming on Prime Video will be labeled “Watch for Free” so both Prime and non-Prime members can easily see what’s available for free, the company said.
“There will be no change to the content available for Prime members, and a vast offering of free streaming content will still be accessible for non-Prime members,” an Amazon spokesperson said in a statement.
veryGood! (1935)
Related
- Israel lets Palestinians go back to northern Gaza for first time in over a year as cease
- Tragic 911 calls, body camera footage from Uvalde, Texas school shooting released
- Jonathan Taylor among Indianapolis Colts players to wear 'Guardian Caps' in preseason game
- US surgeon general was warned by his mom to avoid politics, but he jumped into the fray anyway
- Juan Soto to be introduced by Mets at Citi Field after striking record $765 million, 15
- Jury selection to begin for ex-politician accused of killing Las Vegas investigative reporter
- Madison LeCroy’s Hair Hack Gives Keratin Treatment and Brazilian Blowout Results Without Damage
- Latinos are excited about Harris, but she has work to do to win the crucial voting bloc, experts say
- Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie return for an 'Encore,' reminisce about 'The Simple Life'
- Should Shelby McEwen have shared gold for USA's medal count? Don't be ridiculous
Ranking
- Newly elected West Virginia lawmaker arrested and accused of making terroristic threats
- Jordan Chiles must return Olympic bronze, IOC rules. USOPC says it will appeal decision
- Families of Brazilian plane crash victims gather in Sao Paulo as French experts join investigation
- Ferguson officer 'fighting for his life' after Michael Brown protest, police chief says
- North Carolina justices rule for restaurants in COVID
- Some states still feeling lingering effects of Debby
- Where are the 2026 Winter Olympics held? Location, date of next Olympic Games
- Travis Scott released with no charges after arrest at Paris hotel, reps say
Recommendation
The FTC says 'gamified' online job scams by WhatsApp and text on the rise. What to know.
State House Speaker Scott Saiki loses Democratic primary to Kim Coco Iwamoto
From Paris to Los Angeles: How the city is preparing for the 2028 Olympics
US surgeon general was warned by his mom to avoid politics, but he jumped into the fray anyway
The Daily Money: Spending more on holiday travel?
Georgia lawmaker accused of DUI after crash with bicyclist says he was not intoxicated or on drugs
BMW, Chrysler, Toyota among 142K vehicles recalled last week: Check car recalls here
Fatal weekend shootings jolt growing Denver-area suburb