This week, we investigate the emergence of TikTok Shop, exploring its bizarre interface and offerings as representative of a new era of e-commerce and consumer psychology. We discuss the redefinition of the “small business,” the vulgarity of commerce as content, and strategies of pathological guerilla marketing. We also take a stroll through the Shop ourselves to observe the “gyatt pajamas,” chamoy pickle kits, and pheromone oils that are sweeping the nation. 

TikTok’s official Shop press release

TikTok Shop in the New York Times

Chamoy pickle kit explainer

Dr. Candice Lin on Zheng Xiangxiang

FV Makeup foundation videos

China Too Cool: Vernacular Innovations and Aesthetic Discontinuity of China – Yijing Zhou

UX in China: More Is More, Super Apps, and Community - Yuan Qing Lim (Config 2022)

Livestream Shopping Is Not Going to Take Over E-Commerce – Forbes

Twitter as a Payment Processor – Financial Times

Indonesia’s TikTok Shop Ban – Financial Times

Teens Selling on TikTok Shop – NBC, Financial Times

TikTok Shop’s Snail Mucin Dupe Problem – Wired