Temu to shorten delivery times through expansion of UK suppliers

Temu has plans to increase the number of its UK-based suppliers as a way to speed up delivery times, which could see orders get completed within one business day, The Times has reported. 

This plan is part of the e-retailer’s “local” initiative, as it seeks to compete with British high street stores. 

It is understood that Temu will be seeking UK suppliers for large products, such as furniture, tents, winter coats and kitchen appliances that would end up not being cost-effective to ship from China. 

With 12.1 million people using the shopping app regularly, Temu customers have – so far – only been able to order products from Chinese suppliers that take one to two weeks to arrive. 

The group is also reportedly planning to recruit more staff in the UK to open a London office. 

However, Temu is now facing legal action from the European Commission following fears the platform is failing to stop the sale of illegal goods. 

Last month, a formal investigation was launched over concerns that Temu did not have sufficiently robust systems to prevent “previously suspended rogue traders” reappearing on the app.