Amazon is wading deeper into the cutthroat world of low-cost e-commerce with the launch of Amazon Bazaar, a new standalone shopping app designed specifically for value-conscious shoppers in emerging markets.
Available now on Android and iOS in over a dozen countries across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, Bazaar offers a curated selection of products priced predominantly under $10, with some items dipping as low as $2. The retailer aims to expand the app’s reach to even more markets in the coming months.
Bazaar isn’t entirely new to Amazon shoppers: In certain regions like Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and India, a similar offering existed within the main Amazon app under the “Amazon Haul” brand. This move to separate these budget-friendly products into their own dedicated app signals Amazon’s intention to seriously challenge the dominance of Chinese rivals like Temu, Shein, and even TikTok Shop.
These fast-growing platforms have attracted legions of younger users and budget-conscious consumers looking for trendy fashion, home decor, electronics, and everyday essentials at aggressively low prices. Amazon Bazaar clearly mirrors this strategy, promising “hundreds of thousands” of affordable items across categories like fashion, home goods, and lifestyle products.
The app experience is familiar to Amazon loyalists: shoppers can leverage their existing account credentials for seamless checkout using Visa, Mastercard, or American Express. Free shipping kicks in once a market-specific minimum purchase is met, while smaller orders incur a standard delivery fee. Estimated delivery times hover around two weeks or less, and returns are hassle-free within 15 days of receipt. Multilingual customer support is available in six languages: English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, German, and Traditional Chinese.
Beyond the core shopping functionality, Bazaar incorporates engaging features popularized by its Chinese competitors – think interactive social lucky draws and promotions – aiming to boost user engagement and retention. New customers are further incentivized with a 50% discount on their first delivery.
Amazon’s decision to launch a separate app for budget-conscious consumers underscores the growing importance of this segment in the global e-commerce landscape. The company’s success hinges on Bazaar’s ability to attract and retain users by offering compelling value propositions, competitive pricing, and a user experience that resonates with price-sensitive shoppers in its target markets.
