Temu: More iOS downloads worldwide than any other shopping app
Temu is breaking all download records, at least in Apple's App Store, as an analysis by Apptopia shows. According to the market research company, the shopping app was the most-used iOS app in the US on most days in 2023 so far - based on metrics such as downloads, engagement and retention.
In addition, according to Apptopia, Temu generated more iOS downloads worldwide than any other shopping app in the six months following its launch.
The brand's strong app store ranking is likely due to downloads triggered by app install campaigns or advertising, says Adam Blacker, director of content and communications at Apptopia. "The current economic environment is certainly helping Temu, as consumers now want to buy the things they need in their everyday lives for less money to fight inflation," he said. But "will the music stop when the paid advertising machinery is switched off?"
Higher gross merchandise value than Shein
The data makes Temu's initial revenue target for North America look modest: To record at least a single day of higher gross merchandise value than Shein by September 2023, the anniversary of its entry into the US market.
Unlike Shein, which produces its own branded fashion items, Temu is a third-party marketplace, much like Amazon, and only a fraction of customer spending ultimately generates its own revenue.
Amazon is evading the price war with its Chinese rival. The corporation has excluded the low-cost app from its standard competitive analyses. This also has consequences for marketplace traders.