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Metro
12 hours ago
- Business
- Metro
Temu helps UK local businesses boom, sparking a wave of community success
Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more Us Brits love a bargain, so it's no surprise that when direct-from-factory platform Temu landed on UK soil two years ago, shoppers flocked to it in their droves. With prices as low as £1.88 and an enormous range of items, including quite literally everything from tech accessories to trendy homeware, Temu quickly became the destination for budget-savvy Brits looking to spend less. What's really surprising about Temu's takeover though, is the unexpected boom it's sparked for small British businesses signed up to the site. One business, Leeds-based retailer Spot On-Line (SOL) known for its affordable home and craft supplies, saw daily sales surge from £200 to a whopping £1,500 in just four weeks after joining the e-commerce platform. That's a jaw-dropping increase of 650%! In fact, the company brought in £72,000 in gross revenue during its first full month on Temu, enough for the team to invest in a brand new distribution centre to keep up with the surge in demand. At a time when many small businesses are feeling the pressure from high inflation and cautious consumer spending post-Brexit and Covid, it's a real boost for the local area too. Marketplace Director at SOL, Spencer Saunders, said: '[It's] the strongest start we've had on any channel,' adding that it was great to see 'net sales take off and growth build so quickly.' The second SOL site will focus entirely on fulfilling online orders through Temu, which is expected to create new jobs in logistics and operations, and also offer more work for other businesses in the local supply chain. Known for its huge selection and ultra-low prices, Temu has quickly become one of the most downloaded apps in the UK, and it's making big waves in the world of online shopping. A report by the Centre for Economics and Business Research says UK households could save up to £3,000 a year by shopping through platforms like Temu that cut out the middleman. In South London, a salsa group danced at a local festival with matching outfits and coordinated moves…without spending a fortune. They struggled with finding costumes that suited different body types within a budget. Then they found Temu. 'We didn't want the team to spend too much on their outfits for performances, but we still needed to look cohesive,' said Anh Vo, founder of the SASalsa dance group. 'I'm so glad we found something inexpensive that tied the whole routine together.' They're among millions across the UK turning to Temu for affordable everyday items. A recent Ipsos survey found shoppers in six countries (including the UK) saved an average of 24%, with over 70% saying they'd recommend it to others. 'Price remains a key purchasing driver, especially during tough economic times,' commented Wittmann, Managing Director of ibi research. Whether you're a local seller or a savvy shopper, it's pretty clear that Temu is a game-changer for both businesses and bargain hunters. With its unbeatable prices and wide range of products, it's not just revolutionising how we shop, but also helping local companies thrive in an increasingly challenging retail environment. Designated a Very Large Online Platform (VLOP) under the Digital Services Act in 2024, Temu is now subject to the EU's most stringent risk oversight rules. Its compliance system includes vetting all sellers, monitoring listings through technology and human review, and removing non-compliant products through a responsive takedown process. Temu also partners with top testing agencies like TÜV Rheinland and Eurofins to ensure product safety. The platform uses automated tools and a multilingual team to detect and remove intellectual property rights violations and maintains an online portal for brands to report infringements directly. Its app is certified under the MASA cybersecurity framework by DEKRA, the respected Germany testing agency. Temu's impact on the e-commerce industry has been widely recognized. It was named 'eCommerce of the Year' at Spain's eAwards 2025 and ranked among the top 10 platforms at the Ecommerce Italia Awards. In the U.S., USA TODAY included Temu in its 'America's Best Customer Service 2025' list. In Europe, the platform is winning over users. Ipsos found that 77% believe Temu delivers strong value, nearly 70% would recommend it to others, and 80% expect to maintain or increase their spending in 2025. The platform is also encouraging entrepreneurship. In the UK alone, 14% of local buyers say Temu has helped them start or grow a business. Many of these new ventures have already resulted in job creation and direct economic benefits to their communities. And, as the platform continues to grow, it looks like Temu will play an even bigger role in reshaping the future of British shopping. Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Share your views in the comments below MORE: Dunelm's big homeware sale is here – with up to 50% off bedding, furniture and more MORE: Nobody's Child now has a whole page dedicated to dresses with pockets MORE: This skincare product completely transformed my skin – I get everyone to use it! Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
LA Libations founders back Just Ice Tea through new fund
The founders of US soft-drinks incubator LA Libations have invested in US firm Just Ice Tea through their new fund Taste Tomorrow Ventures. LA Libations founders Danny Stepper and Dino Sarti have teamed up with former PepsiCo, Sodastream and Disney executive Scott Guthrie to launch Taste Tomorrow Ventures (TTV), which has so far attracted $30m for its first fund. TTV's first investment is a "strategic equity partnership" with Just Ice Tea, a US-based iced tea brand, the fund said in a statement. Just Ice Tea was founded by Seth Goldman, the founder of Honest Tea, which was sold to The Coca-Cola Company in 2011. Coca-Cola discontinued the production of Honest Tea three years ago. Goldman has established Just Ice Tea at US retailers including Whole Foods Market, Target and CVS Health. Stepper said: 'We couldn't be more excited to partner with Seth Goldman and Just Ice Tea as our first investment. It's a brand that embodies the purpose, innovation, and momentum we want to partner with." TTV's fund has secured the backing of investors including aluminium giant Ball Corporation and US consultancy Advantage Solutions. The fund will focus on investing in early-stage and Series A companies, particularly those offering functional beverages and better-for-you snacks. Guthrie said: 'The next generation of consumers is looking for authenticity, transparency and better lifestyle choices and our first investment in Just Ice Tea perfectly illustrates that.' In April, US-based iced-tea firm The Ryl Company raised $15m in its Series B round, bringing the total amount it has raised to date to $30m. It also announced plans to expand into new markets with its Ryl Tea brand. 'We are still evaluating potential avenues,' the company said. 'However, it's all focused on better-for-you-focused markets, Canada being a strong option in the short term.' Across the Atlantic, UK iced-tea brand Harry Brompton's received a £2m ($2.7m) investment from the Leeds-based private investor Traditum in April. Owned by London-based Tudor Drinks, the brand will use the funds to make ground in convenience and wholesale segments and increase marketing activity, Harry Brompton's founder Ian O'Donohue told Just Drinks. "LA Libations founders back Just Ice Tea through new fund" was originally created and published by Just Drinks, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Premier League star stuns fans by playing guitar on stage at Kaiser Chiefs gig
Kaiser Chiefs played a hometown gig in Leeds to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their debut album, Employment, and Patrick Bamford joined the Yorkshire band on stage Leeds star Patrick Bamford swapped goalscoring for guitar-playing as he joined indie band Kaiser Chiefs for a loan spell on Saturday. The Leeds-based rockers played at the city's Temple Newsam to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their debut album, Employment. Bamford, 31, came on stage for the hit song 'I Predict A Riot' which has soundtracked the Yorkshire side's promotion back to the Premier League this season. The striker came out with an acoustic guitar, as frontman Ricky Wilson introduced him. Kitted out in festival attire, Bamford wore a bucket hat, shorts and a retro Leeds shirt from with 'Viduka 9' on the back. Not only that, Bamford brought out the Championship trophy which Leeds clinched on a dramatic final day. Former team-mate Kalvin Phillips shared footage of the moment on his Instagram page. "What an absolute legend! @patrick_bamford @luke_ayling2," Phillips posted, standing backstage with ex-Leeds captain Luke Ayling. Bamford also reposted the video of his performance and shared another clip. Phillips, who now plays for Manchester City, commented: "My hero." Mark Viduka even reacted to Bamford's turn as a guitarist, saying: "What a privilege." Leeds-supporting Kaiser Chiefs played concerts at Elland Road, in 2008 and 2019. The band posted after Saturday's anniversary gig: "Thank you!!! What an incredible evening celebrating with you all, it was everything and more." They'll be hoping that Leeds can establish themselves as Premier League stalwarts over the next few years, just as they were when the band were formed in the early 2000s. Employment, which remains the biggest-selling album by any Leeds-based artist, was released in March 2005 during Leeds' second season after being relegated to the Championship. It only took them two years to bounce back this time around, as manager Daniel Farke led them to the league title and promotion. Bass player Simon Rix co-hosts a Leeds podcast for the BBC. Where will Leeds finish next season? Give us your prediction in the comments section. When Farke's side pulled off a 3-1 win against promotion rivals Leicester in February 2024, 'I Predict A Riot' was played over the Elland Road speakers, as fans belted out the tune at full-time. "It's kind of perfect, isn't it?" Rix told GiveMeSport. "We've been lucky enough to entwine ourselves with Leeds United a few times by playing concerts at Elland Road and they used to come out to the first bit of 'I Predict A Riot' during the Marcelo Bielsa era. "I think that was just a special moment. Leeds have played 'I Predict A Riot' at the end before, but never like that. That was like the perfect game of football. "It's against the promotion rival, you're losing, and then the comeback was amazing. Then, all four sides of Elland Road were on their feet, singing, shouting, swearing, and dancing. It's a great moment." Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
South Wales Argus
29-05-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Asda boss says ‘long way to go' in turnaround as sales fall further
However, Allan Leighton, who recently rejoined the UK's third largest grocery chain after more than 20 years, said it has seen 'green shoots' in its turnaround efforts. The retailer, owned by US private equity firm TDR Capital and petrol forecourt billionaire Mohsin Issa, previously said it could take between three and five years to get fully back on track. Industry figures released earlier this week showed Asda's share of the grocery market has shrunk to 12.1% – it's lowest since Kantar started collecting data in 2011. The firm has struggled to keep up with larger rivals Tesco and Sainsbury's and come under pressure from fast-growing discounters Aldi and Lidl since its debt-fuelled takeover in 2021. On Thursday, Mr Leighton said the retailer's 'prices were too high and availability was woeful' before his appointment, leading shoppers to switch. Earlier this year, the company reduced the prices of more than 10,000 products in its renewed strategy to win over shoppers. Bosses said the retailer will still follow through with ambitions to keep pricing low across rafts of products despite accelerating food inflation. The company said it hopes to win back customers across the board but can benefit from bringing its pricing 'closer' to low-priced discounter rivals. Mr Leighton said: 'Earlier this year we set out a clear ambition to make Asda the number one choice again for value-conscious families. 'To deliver this, we are making a material investment to move our entire range to a new, lower Asda Price by the end of next year. 'Although we are seeing the green shoots in sales performance, there is a long way to go, and we remain firmly focused on widening the price gap over other full-service supermarkets to give customers the savings they expect every time they shop at Asda.' It came as the Leeds-based retailer reported that total revenues, excluding fuel, fell by 5.9% to £5 billion for the first three months of 2025. The company said this included a 1.1% impact against last year's extra day trading due to the leap year. Asda added that like-for-like sales were 3.1% lower for the four months to Easter and this improved further in May.
Glasgow Times
29-05-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Asda boss says ‘long way to go' in turnaround as sales fall further
However, Allan Leighton, who recently rejoined the UK's third largest grocery chain after more than 20 years, said it has seen 'green shoots' in its turnaround efforts. The retailer, owned by US private equity firm TDR Capital and petrol forecourt billionaire Mohsin Issa, previously said it could take between three and five years to get fully back on track. Industry figures released earlier this week showed Asda's share of the grocery market has shrunk to 12.1% – it's lowest since Kantar started collecting data in 2011. The firm has struggled to keep up with larger rivals Tesco and Sainsbury's and come under pressure from fast-growing discounters Aldi and Lidl since its debt-fuelled takeover in 2021. On Thursday, Mr Leighton said the retailer's 'prices were too high and availability was woeful' before his appointment, leading shoppers to switch. Earlier this year, the company reduced the prices of more than 10,000 products in its renewed strategy to win over shoppers. Bosses said the retailer will still follow through with ambitions to keep pricing low across rafts of products despite accelerating food inflation. The company said it hopes to win back customers across the board but can benefit from bringing its pricing 'closer' to low-priced discounter rivals. Mr Leighton said: 'Earlier this year we set out a clear ambition to make Asda the number one choice again for value-conscious families. 'To deliver this, we are making a material investment to move our entire range to a new, lower Asda Price by the end of next year. 'Although we are seeing the green shoots in sales performance, there is a long way to go, and we remain firmly focused on widening the price gap over other full-service supermarkets to give customers the savings they expect every time they shop at Asda.' It came as the Leeds-based retailer reported that total revenues, excluding fuel, fell by 5.9% to £5 billion for the first three months of 2025. The company said this included a 1.1% impact against last year's extra day trading due to the leap year. Asda added that like-for-like sales were 3.1% lower for the four months to Easter and this improved further in May.
