AliExpress Pilots Free VIP Program to Lock in Top Spenders

Alibaba Group's online retail platform, AliExpress, is piloting a new VIP program called Elite, specifically targeting high-spending customers. According to The Information, the program offers invitation-only access to customers in Australia, the UK, Germany, and Spain who have spent over $800 annually on the platform. Elite members enjoy a 5% discount on a range of items, round-the-clock customer service, and hassle-free returns, all without any associated fees.

The company aims to expand Elite to more European nations, South Korea, and the United States later this year.

The introduction of Elite is part of AliExpress' strategy to shift focus towards premium products and services, moving away from the low-price competition that has characterized the industry. This strategic pivot comes in the wake of new tariffs imposed by the U.S. and the European Union's handling fees on international shipments, forcing rival platforms like Shein and Temu to adjust their business models.

In response, AliExpress is testing next-day delivery in select European cities and enhancing its lineup of branded products. The company recently reported achieving operating profit in the quarter ending June 30, 2025, highlighting its diversification and enrichment of product offerings through the Alibaba ecosystem. Furthermore, AliExpress revealed that local product supplies now constitute an increasingly larger share of its sales, year-over-year.

In July 2025, Temu, another Alibaba subsidiary, announced its return to shipping products from China to U.S. consumers following a reduction in tariffs and the resumption of "fully-managed" shipments. Temu had previously halted these operations in May 2025 due to pressure from U.S. trade policies.