For a while, Temu and Shein seemed unstoppable. Lightning-fast growth. Rock-bottom prices. Checkout pages filled with $3 crop tops and quirky accessories no one actually needed. But now, a fast fashion slowdown is starting to shift how shoppers browse and where they buy.
But now? The shine is wearing off.
Thanks to a wave of new tariffs and the closing of key import loopholes, fast-fashion giants are hitting roadblocks and U.S. shoppers are noticing. Temu’s user base dropped more than 50% in just a few months. Shein took a hit too. Suddenly, shoppers are walking away mid-scroll and searching for better options.
That’s where you come in.
What’s Causing the Shift
The U.S. has started rolling back the de minimis rule, which let platforms like Shein and Temu ship ultra-cheap items to customers without paying duties. Combined with new tariffs on Chinese imports, that cost advantage is disappearing.
Shoppers who used to get free shipping and near-zero prices are now seeing longer delivery times and surprise fees at checkout.
And where are they turning next? Amazon’s fashion categories are already seeing a spike. Women’s apparel sales are up 26% this year. But that doesn’t mean your store can’t compete. In fact, you’re in a better position than you think.
Why This Moment Matters for Merchants
When fast fashion stumbles, customers don’t stop buying. They just start looking for alternatives.
That opens the door for independent sellers and brands who can offer something Temu and Shein can’t: trust, clarity, and real fulfillment. Shoppers are ready for stores that look legit, ship fast, and don’t play games with pricing or returns.
Even better? You don’t need to overhaul your business to step in. You just need to lean into the things you’re already good at.
What You Can Do Right Now
If you’re ready to take advantage of this shift, here’s where to start:
- Re-evaluate pricing. Stay competitive, but don’t race to the bottom.
- Offer bundles or multi-packs to increase value without slashing margins.
- Promote your shipping speed—Temu shoppers are used to long waits.
- Highlight your return policy and support. Trust goes a long way.
- Run quick ad tests targeting fashion or accessory buyers who used to shop on Shein or Temu.
Even a single landing page or campaign can make a difference. You’re chasing trends and you’re catching customers looking for something more reliable.
Shipping Shouldn’t Be the Bottleneck
Fast fashion trained customers to expect fast delivery, even if the product didn’t always last. You have the chance to offer both.
Ordoro helps you stay nimble and ready. Connect your store, sync inventory, automate shipping, and simplify returns all from one clean dashboard. When shoppers shift, your store won’t miss a beat.
Want to make sure you’re ready to step in? Talk to an Ordoro expert and let’s get your store prepped for what’s next in eCommerce.