Amazon has launched ‘Haul,’ a new mobile-exclusive shopping section offering items under $20. However, the initiative appears to be struggling to differentiate itself from established players like Temu and Shein, leading some critics to label it as a lackluster imitation of the very platforms it aims to compete with.
The new platform, currently available only through Amazon’s mobile app and not accessible via web browsers, represents the e-commerce giant’s strategic response to the rising popularity of Chinese discount retailers. Yet early reviews suggest that Haul may have missed the mark in capturing the unique appeal that has made platforms like Temu cultural phenomena.
One of the most striking aspects of Haul’s launch is its apparent similarity to existing offerings, both from competitors and within Amazon’s own ecosystem. In some cases, products listed on Haul can actually be found at lower prices on Amazon’s main platform, raising questions about the new section’s value proposition. For instance, a set of silicone food storage lids priced at $3.99 on Haul has an almost identical counterpart on regular Amazon for $3.97, with the added benefit of two-day shipping rather than Haul’s one to two-week delivery timeline.
The product selection on Haul appears to follow a familiar template that has been present in Chinese e-commerce since the days of Wish during the Obama administration. The catalog includes standard fare such as makeup accessories, phone cases, workout apparel, kitchen items, hair accessories, and affordable jewelry. While these categories may appeal to budget-conscious shoppers, they fail to capture the element of surprise and discovery that has made Temu particularly successful.
Fashion offerings on Haul seem to mirror the aesthetic popularized by Shein, featuring oversized sweaters modeled with skinny jeans by influencer-style models. However, the selection lacks the breadth and trend-conscious appeal that has made Shein a dominant force in fast fashion. This limitation is particularly noteworthy given that variety and novelty have been key drivers of success in the budget e-commerce space.
The timing of Amazon’s entry into this market segment reflects growing concern about competition from Chinese retailers, particularly as platforms like Temu and TikTok Shop gain traction with American consumers. However, the execution suggests a potential misunderstanding of what makes these platforms appealing to shoppers. While low prices are certainly important, the success of Temu has been built on its ability to surprise customers with unique, often whimsical items they didn’t know they needed.
Amazon has acknowledged that Haul is currently in beta mode, with a representative confirming plans to expand the product selection in coming weeks. This admission suggests the company recognizes the need for improvement and may be using this soft launch to gather user feedback before a more comprehensive rollout.
The launch of Haul also raises broader questions about the future of e-commerce and consumer behavior. While the platform aims to capitalize on the growing appetite for ultra-cheap goods, it enters a market already grappling with concerns about sustainability, ethical manufacturing, and overconsumption. These issues were highlighted in a congressional report last year that discussed concerns about forced labor in some supply chains.
The phenomenon of “Temu victims” – a term coined by younger generations to describe their parents’ excessive shopping on discount platforms – underscores both the addictive nature of these shopping experiences and the potential downsides of making ultra-cheap goods too readily available.
Amazon’s approach with Haul appears to focus primarily on price competition, but this strategy may be insufficient in a market where consumers have come to expect not just low prices but also entertainment and discovery in their shopping experience. The success of platforms like Temu has demonstrated that modern budget shopping is as much about the thrill of finding unexpected treasures as it is about saving money.
As Haul continues its beta phase, Amazon faces the challenge of evolving the platform beyond its current state as what some critics have dubbed “the Temu version of Temu.” The company’s vast resources and established infrastructure could potentially enable it to create a more compelling offering, but doing so may require a deeper understanding of what makes discount shopping platforms truly engaging for modern consumers.
The coming weeks will be crucial for Haul’s development, as Amazon works to expand its product selection and potentially introduce features that could help it stand out in an increasingly crowded market. Whether the e-commerce giant can transform Haul from its current state into a genuine competitor in the ultra-discount space remains to be seen, but early indicators suggest significant work lies ahead.
Add Comment