A survey commissioned by Temu suggests that European small businesses using the marketplace are increasing operational capacity, hiring employees and reaching customers in additional international markets.

The survey covered more than 150 sellers across Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Poland and the UK during June and July 2026. According to the findings, 50% of respondents had either increased capacity, hired additional staff or done both since joining Temu, while 34% said they had expanded into new international markets.

Marketplace Becomes an Additional Growth Channel

The findings indicate that marketplaces can play a role beyond simple online distribution. Three-quarters of respondents described Temu as either an important additional sales channel or their primary sales channel.

The surveyed businesses were not exclusively new ventures. More than 43% had been trading for over a decade before joining the platform, suggesting that established businesses are also using marketplace channels to extend their digital reach.

Temu introduced its local seller program in Europe in 2024. The company says the program is now available to businesses of all sizes in more than 35 markets.

From Online Sales to Operational Expansion

Individual seller examples in the report illustrate how increased marketplace demand can affect operations.

Spanish spare-parts retailer Recamania, a family business with more than 40 years of trading history, opened its Temu store in March 2025 after previously struggling to establish an effective online sales channel. The company subsequently reached about 4,000 monthly orders through the platform, according to Temu, and expanded its warehouse and administrative teams.

In the UK, retailer Money Cruncher, also operating as Spot On-Line, reportedly fulfilled more than one million orders after joining Temu in early 2025 and added more than 20 warehouse positions over the following 18 months.

French ube powder brand Ubedia provides another example. The company said early marketplace sales allowed its founders to move to the business full time. It now employs six people and is investing in automated packing equipment.

International Reach Without Separate Market Launches

International expansion was another prominent finding. Temu says 34% of surveyed sellers entered new international markets after joining the platform.

For Italian specialty food business SD Calabria, the platform provided access to customers beyond its previously concentrated Italian expatriate audience. Polish electronics distributor Euroelectronics, meanwhile, expanded into 18 European markets within weeks of joining, according to the report.

These examples highlight one potential advantage of marketplace distribution: sellers can gain access to existing international traffic without establishing an independent marketing operation in every market.

Market Landscape

Marketplace platforms increasingly compete not only on consumer selection and pricing but also on their ability to attract and retain third-party sellers. For smaller businesses, the appeal can include access to established demand, fulfillment infrastructure, marketplace data and seller support.

Temu says sellers surveyed identified ease of use (38%), cost structure (35%) and dedicated support (more than 65%) among the factors they valued.

However, the findings are based on a Temu-commissioned survey and therefore should be viewed as company-reported seller sentiment rather than independent evidence of marketplace-wide economic impact.

Strategic Outlook

For European small businesses, marketplaces can reduce some of the operational barriers involved in expanding digital sales internationally. The strategic question is whether increased marketplace demand can translate into sustainable customer relationships, profitable growth and diversified sales channels over time.

Temu's seller-focused approach reflects the broader shift toward platforms providing not only distribution but also tools and support for digital commerce expansion.

Top Insights

• 50% of surveyed sellers reported increased capacity, hiring or both.
• 34% said they expanded into new international markets.
• 75% viewed Temu as an important additional or primary sales channel.
• 43% had operated for more than 10 years before joining.
• More than 65% valued dedicated seller support.

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