The social media giant looks set to expand its TikTok Shop to users in Ireland this Autumn

TikTok is tipped to launch its own shop – called TikTok Shop – in Ireland and Spain this Autumn.

The social media giant already has an in-app shop in its US and UK markets, where people can buy clothes, accessories and a range of other things, sometimes promoted by influencers.

According to a Bloomberg report, TikTok will now extend its shop to Ireland and Spain, before considering expanding to France, Italy and Germany.

A spokesperson for TikTok in Ireland, where it employs around 3,000 people, declined to confirm the news but said that it would be “guided by demand”.

“We're excited to continue experimenting with this new commerce opportunity to support businesses of all sizes and enable our community to discover and engage with products they love," the spokesperson said.

The online shop is based on the experience of TikTok’s sister company, Douyin, which operates a social media ecommerce shop in Asia.

Around 2.8m people bought something from the UK version of the shop last year, which is used by third party retailers such as Marks & Spencers and Garnier. This month, the UK TikTok shop has begun allowing second-hand clothes brands to sell products there. TikTok takes a 5pc commission of all sales.

TikTok Shop is not without its critics. Some users have complained that it makes videos overly-affected by influencers who are trying to sell things even more than usual.

The company has also had to battle the perception that the shop is being flooded with cheap Chinese ‘fast fashion’ items and ‘drop-shippers’ who are middlemen that don’t keep any stock.

Reporting on:independent.ie