By Ron Rocky Coloma
In the village of Dededo, 18-year-old Andrea Lajato lounges on her couch, scrolling through her sister’s Temu account. She’s not looking for anything specific, but when she spots a Pou-themed headband—a nod to the mobile game she grew up playing—it’s impossible to resist.
“I wasn’t sure about Temu at first,” she said. “But my sister signed up, and now I ask her to add things to her cart all the time.”
Lajato isn’t alone. Across Guam, shoppers of all ages are diving into Temu, the Chinese e-commerce app that has taken the world by storm. Known for its absurdly low prices and free shipping—even to Guam—it’s no surprise that Temu has quickly gained a foothold here.
But this isn’t just a story about cheap deals. For many, Temu represents both an opportunity and a dilemma, especially on an island where options for shopping are already limited.
If you’ve lived on Guam long enough, you know the frustration of online shopping. Many U.S. retailers either refuse to ship to the island or charge sky-high fees for delivery.
“Because some retailers don’t see Guam as a U.S. destination, shipping fees are ridiculous,” Lajato said. “Temu’s free shipping makes a huge difference.”
For Barrigada resident Gina Reilly, 58, the platform’s affordability and convenience were the initial draw. “It's a hit and miss,” Reilly said. “At first, I started buying some novelty items that I don't see in other online stores.”
It was a slippery slope. “I started exploring the site and registered to be a member,” she added. “Then, I started buying clothes. There’s good and bad. And because it's not too expensive, it doesn't hurt much.”
Reilly gives a practical example. “I don't mind buying a formal gown for less than $50 because you only wear it once, instead of buying $100 plus in the mall,” she said.
Free shipping and affordable pricing aside, Temu also fills a unique gap in Guam’s retail landscape. The island’s small size and limited store variety often leave residents craving more options, and Temu provides access to products that might otherwise be out of reach.
Temu’s catalog is a chaotic treasure chest. From avocado slicers to tiny gadgets you didn’t know existed, it’s a platform designed for impulse buying. Lajato sticks to accessories—bags, hair clips and niche finds like Pou plushies. “It’s fun because they have trendy stuff you wouldn’t find on Amazon,” she said.
Reilly, on the other hand, loves experimenting with clothing. “It’s a hit or miss,” she admitted.
There’s also an element of discovery that keeps shoppers coming back. Temu’s layout encourages browsing, and the sheer variety of products ensures there’s always something new to stumble upon. For Lajato, this means quirky merchandise tied to her interests. For Reilly, it’s about finding affordable alternatives to items she’d otherwise hesitate to buy in stores.
Of course, there’s a catch. Temu’s ultra-low prices often come at the expense of quality. Lajato is realistic about this. “I don’t buy clothes on Temu because I know they’ll be lower quality. But for accessories? I don’t mind.”
Beyond quality, there are bigger concerns about Temu’s business practices. Reports of forced labor in supply chains and questions about data security have made headlines. Lajato is aware of these issues but said it’s hard to resist the platform.
“Living on Guam, we don’t have the variety or affordability that other places have,” she said. “Sometimes you just make do.”
Reilly shared a similar perspective. “Almost everything you buy is from China, even the ones from Amazon. There are products that you can take risks.”
Still, these concerns highlight the broader implications of platforms like Temu. While they provide undeniable benefits for consumers, the ethical questions surrounding their operations shouldn’t be ignored.
One of Temu’s standout features is its gamified shopping experience. The app uses countdowns, flash deals and referral rewards to keep users hooked.
“One of my friends sent me a link and asked me to use her code so she could get her order for free,” Lajato said. “It’s clever because it gets more people shopping and sharing.”
For Reilly, however, the platform’s marketing strategies are more irritating than addictive. “The text messages are so persistent—they’re borderline annoying,” she said. “And the games? I don’t bother with them. I’m already addicted to shopping for clothes; I don’t need their help.”
But for many users, the app’s tactics work. The combination of low prices, constant promotions and a sense of urgency creates a shopping experience that’s hard to resist. It’s a strategy that feels more like a game than traditional retail, and it’s proven to be highly effective.
The rise of online shopping platforms like Temu has undoubtedly changed the way people shop on Guam. Lajato pointed out that the island’s small size and limited options make it hard for local businesses to compete. “It’s just easier and cheaper to shop online,” she said.
Reilly has noticed her own habits shifting. “I don’t shop at Ross as much anymore,” she admitted. “I’m not sure if others feel the same, but it’s hard to beat the convenience of online shopping.”
While Temu offers a lifeline for consumers, it poses significant challenges for local retailers. As more people turn to online platforms, the pressure on small businesses only grows.
Local entrepreneurs now face the challenge of competing with not just the variety but also the pricing of platforms like Temu. The convenience of shopping from home—combined with Temu’s gamified experience—means fewer people are visiting local stores, making it harder for small businesses to thrive.
Shopping on Guam has always been a challenge. With limited inventory and high prices, it’s no wonder residents are embracing platforms like Temu. But even Temu isn’t perfect. Reilly wishes the shipping times were faster, and both she and Lajato acknowledge that the quality of some products leaves much to be desired.
Despite these drawbacks, Temu has carved out a unique space in Guam’s retail landscape. For Lajato, it’s about finding things she can’t get anywhere else. For Reilly, it’s the thrill of discovering a deal. And for both, it’s a way to navigate the challenges of living on a remote island with limited shopping options.
As Temu continues to grow, its impact on Guam—and the world—will only become more pronounced. The platform’s success raises important questions about ethics, quality and the future of shopping. Will consumers tire of its gimmicks? Will regulatory scrutiny change the way it operates?
For now, Temu’s popularity on Guam shows no signs of slowing down. Whether you’re a seasoned shopper or a curious first-timer, one thing is certain: the app has changed the way Guam shops, for better or worse.
As Lajato puts it, “You’re either going to find something really great or something totally naff. But at these prices, it’s hard to say no.”
For her, it’s the little things—like that Pou headband—that make it all worth it. “It’s not perfect,” she said, “but sometimes, it’s just what we need.”
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