TEMU Is Partnering With UK Suppliers

The Times has reported that Temu is partnering with UK suppliers under a new 'local' initiative, aimed at providing customers with reduced shipping times.

Temu customers currently order goods from China with shipping times of one to two weeks, whereas UK-based suppliers could fulfil orders in just one or two days, creating further competition for UK retailers.

By posting low-cost items on an individual basis to overseas customers, Temu avoids import duties on large shipments. Partnerships with suppliers of bulky goods such as furniture, kitchen appliances, coats and tents - which would prove expensive to ship from China - are understood to be of interest to Temu, and would effectively operate on a drop-shipping basis.

The article states that Temu is looking to open an office in London, and wants to recruit more UK staff, having taken on directors from eBay to establish the 'local' business. 

A spokesperson told The Times: “Temu is actively recruiting UK-based sellers to broaden the range of affordable, quality products on our platform. This initiative reflects our strategy to support local businesses while offering customers a more diverse selection of goods”.

Amazon has recently launched Amazon Haul to rival Temu in the US, offering low-priced products, sourced from China, with delivery times of one to two weeks.

Source : Insight DIY; The Times

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