Traditional purchase funnel is collapsing under the weight of algorithm-driven discovery and impulse-led buying mechanisms. Why? Today’s consumers don’t just buy things; they engage with them. Nearly 80% of Gen Z consumers now purchase through emerging marketplaces and social platforms (Insider Intelligence, 2024). 66% of global shoppers expect discounts before committing to a purchase (PwC, 2023).
So, what do eCommerce, inflation, and TikTok’s For You Page have in common? They’re all contributing to a new wave of shopping behavior—one that succeeds on affordability, entertainment, and convenience. As rising costs push over 60% of U.S. consumers to hunt for budget-friendly alternatives (McKinsey & Co., 2024), platforms like SHEIN, Temu, and TikTok Shop are capitalizing on this shift by reinventing the retail experience. These emerging Chinese marketplaces aren’t just challenging traditional marketplaces like Amazon and Walmart; they’re reshaping how consumers interact with commerce itself. By combining subsidized pricing, real-time demand forecasting, and algorithm-driven virality, they’ve created ecosystems where affordability meets entertainment, and where discovery instantly converts into sales.
Why You Can’t Ignore Emerging Marketplaces in 2025!
Ignoring these retail disruptors means missing out on unprecedented growth opportunities:
- Shein: Valued at $68 billion, with an estimated 88.8 million active shoppers and $32.5 billion revenue in 2023.
- Temu: Achieved a staggering $15.1 billion gross merchandise volume (GMV) in 2023 with over 80 million active users in the U.S.
- TikTok Shop: With U.S. users spending nearly 58.4 minutes daily on the platform and social commerce sales projected to hit $144.5 billion by 2027, this platform is a goldmine for viral product sales.
Did You Know?
The U.S. just doubled tariffs on Chinese imports, from 10% to 20%, but Temu & Shein? They’re still untouchable. Why? The de minimis exemption (duty-free for imports under $800) is still in place. That means while most sellers importing in bulk will pay higher duties, these platforms can ship small parcels tax-free, keeping prices ultra-low.
Inside the Business Models of SHEIN, Temu, and TikTok Shop
Did You Know?
SHEIN has recently topped the PYMNTS shopping app rankings, outpacing giants like Amazon and Walmart. This milestone highlights a consumer shift toward affordable, trend-centric fashion and intuitive mobile shopping experiences.
The Maturity of Chinese Marketplaces in the West: A New POV On Emerging Marketplaces
The rise of these emerging marketplaces isn’t just because of ‘dumping Chinese products’ into Western markets. It’s about redefining their roles and offering value-oriented channels for eCommerce sellers already selling on Amazon, Walmart, and beyond.
SHEIN: Beyond Fast Fashion
- Diversifying Beyond Apparel: Furniture, fragrances, and electronics are now among the top-selling categories.
- Higher Ticket Size: The Average Selling Price (ASP) for these categories exceeds $100, signaling a shift towards premium product offerings.
- Expanding Consumer Base: Gen Z and Millennial Moms are shopping beyond fashion, making SHEIN a broader lifestyle marketplace.
Temu: A ‘Trying’ Trust-Driven Revolution
- From Discount-Driven to Trust-Oriented: Surveys reveal that with over 94% overlapping products, Temu is giving tough competition to Amazon for price. (Omnisend)
- Growing Market Share: Rapid consumer adoption with high retention rates due to aggressive pricing and self-logistics programs.
- Expanding Seller Incentives: Temu absorbs many costs, making it attractive for new sellers to enter the market with low risk.
TikTok Shop: The Social Commerce Powerhouse
- Explosive Growth: TikTok Shop generated over $100 million in Black Friday sales alone and $6 billion via in-app purchases revenue, proving its dominance in impulse-driven shopping. (Barron’s, CedCommerce)
- From Virality to Purchase: The transactional connection between content, influencers, and commerce drives high conversion rates.
- Bigger Brand Investments: Established brands are now leveraging TikTok Shop, validating its long-term potential.
How to Sell on Shein, Temu, and TikTok Shop: A Step-by-Step Guide
eCommerce is evolving fast, and these Chinese Marketplaces aren’t just growing platforms, they’re profit machines for sellers who act NOW.
Sell on SHEIN
- Register & Qualify – Apply as a seller and align with SHEIN’s product demand.
- Create Data-Driven Listings – Use SEO-optimized titles and high-quality images. 80% of Shein’s top sellers have aesthetic, trendy product displays.
- Leverage Shein’s Trend Cycle – Test small batches of products. Shein scales winners 10X faster than traditional marketplaces.
- Use Influencers & Seasonal Promotions – 65% of Shein’s Gen Z audience buys based on creator recommendations. Partner up and cash in.
Sell on Temu
- Onboarding – Complete the application process and integrate your inventory.
- Stock Smart, Sell Fast – Temu follows a demand-driven model. Only list products with consistent manufacturing and restocking ability.
- Tap into Platform Discounts – Temu subsidizes seller promotions, meaning higher exposure for YOU at zero extra cost.
- Optimize Pricing for Volume – The best-performing products on Temu are priced competitively but still yield high margins.
Steps to Sell on TikTok Shop
- Set Up Your Shop – Link your products directly to your TikTok Business account.
- Create Viral-Worthy Content – Top sellers don’t “sell”—they entertain. Use trending sounds, short-form product demos, and engaging storytelling.
- Leverage Influencer Marketing – Since 50% of TikTok Shop’s revenue is generated through creator partnerships, collaborating with influencers is not just an option—it’s a necessity. Work with influencers to drive trust and conversions.
- Host Live Shopping Events – Live selling boosts conversion rates 10X higher than standard product listings.
Sell on Emerging Marketplaces with CedCommerce
Here’s how CedCommerce can help you sell and excel on SHEIN, Temu, and TikTok Shop:
- Robust Integration: Effortlessly sync products across Shein, Temu, and TikTok Shop so you can focus on growing your business without breaking a sweat.
- Centralized Management: By streamlining your operations with a single dashboard, you can not only handle listings but also manage orders and customer communication all in one place.
- Automated Tools: From seamless real-time inventory updates to hassle-free bulk product uploads, CedCommerce eliminates manual effort by automating the heavy lifting. As a result, your workflow becomes more efficient, allowing you to focus on scaling your business effortlessly.
- Marketing Services: As you already know, gaining visibility and standing out are key factors in succeeding on emerging marketplaces. That’s why our experts strategically optimize your marketing efforts—ensuring you get the best ROI possible while maximizing your brand’s reach and sales.
- Dedicated Support: With 24/7 expert assistance, you’ll not only receive help during onboarding and troubleshooting but also gain valuable guidance to optimize your growth at every step.
Want results like Brendan? Connect with CedCommerce experts: