The Chinese online shopping app Temu has experienced explosive growth since its launch in September 2022, challenging established e-commerce giants like Amazon, eBay, and Shein. According to Stocklytics, Temu has amassed over 735 million downloads, showcasing its rapid ascent in the global market.
Temu’s appeal lies in its combination of competitive pricing, frequent discounts, diverse product range, and effective marketing. The app has successfully attracted consumers seeking more affordable options during economically uncertain times, further bolstered by its offer of fast, free delivery.
Recent data indicates Temu’s monthly downloads have surged by 42% to 55 million, tripling Amazon’s figures. This growth has been particularly pronounced among young, budget-conscious shoppers in Western countries.
Statista and AppMagic report that Temu was downloaded 337 million times in 2023, nearly 80% more than Amazon, averaging 35 million monthly downloads. August 2024 saw almost 55 million worldwide downloads for Temu, a 42% year-over-year increase. The app maintained over 50 million monthly downloads from May through July, consistently outperforming Amazon threefold.
Temu’s impact is most notable in the United States, where it has gained significant traction despite the market’s saturation. Americans account for over 200 million downloads, representing nearly a third of Temu’s total. This figure dwarfs Temu’s presence in European markets, where countries like the UK, Germany, France, and Spain collectively contribute only 5% of total downloads.
Interestingly, Mexico emerges as Temu’s second-largest market, responsible for 10% of total downloads, though this is still only a third of the U.S. figure.
Temu’s rapid adoption reflects a growing demand for affordable online shopping options, positioning it as a formidable competitor to established e-commerce platforms, even in mature markets.
