Amazon plans discount web store in effort to counter Temu, Shein

Amazon and other US retail incumbents are grappling with the rapid rise of Temu and online fashion retailer Shein, which have lured customers with steep discounts and, in Temu’s case, a barrage of advertising on television and social media. — AFP

Amazon.com Inc plans to launch an online storefront for low-priced apparel and home goods, the company’s biggest move to date to counter the rise of discount upstarts like Temu and Shein.

The Seattle-based company’s plans, described in slides posted to websites for third-party Chinese sellers, show Amazon shipping goods directly to customers from China. Amazon, which has sought to hold its ground with promises of speedy shipping, previously encouraged Chinese merchants to use logistics services that concentrate merchandise at US-based warehouses.