Taobao unveils new application for discount products

Taobao, the customer-to-customer e-commerce platform under Alibaba Group Holding Ltd, has unveiled a namesake app featuring discount products, as its dominance in selling small-ticket items is being eroded by latecomers like Pinduoduo.

The Taobao Special app, launched on Friday, is a virtual shopping avenue that encapsulates social and gaming elements. By distributing cash rebates and timed offers, it promotes goods on sale in 16 categories from cosmetics, apparel to appliances.

A majority of merchandise advertised on the homepage are priced between 6 yuan (95 cents) and 30 yuan.