Part 3/8:
As consumers flock to Teemu for its low prices, they may not realize they’re engaging with a platform fueled by questionable ethics. Teemu operates under the umbrella of PDD Holdings, a Chinese company previously implicated in scandals related to labor practices and data privacy concerns.
The allure of budget shopping comes at a steep cost. While Teemu does not manufacture its products, it relies on a drop-shipping model, connecting buyers directly to manufacturers. This model, while purported to reduce waste, has been criticized for promoting overconsumption of 'fast fashion' equivalents across various shopping categories. The continuous bombardment of low-priced goods encourages consumers to make impulsive purchases that often lead to unnecessary waste.