Mäntyharju man likened to fictional character for extensive Temu purchases

In Mäntyharju, Jari Nykänen has become a notable figure for his extensive purchases from the Chinese online retailer Temu, leading friends to liken him to the fictional character Sulo Vilén from the Finnish television series “Tankki täyteen.” Nykänen, a retired computer technician, claims to have acquired numerous electronics at prices significantly lower than in Finland, stating he typically pays less than half compared to local offerings.

A survey by Postnord reveals that the majority of Temu’s customers are men over 50, which includes Nykänen. He defends his shopping habits against criticisms aimed at Temu regarding production conditions and unnecessary consumerism, arguing that many tech components are already manufactured in China or Asia.

Nykänen states that his purchases from Temu, which cost around €2,000, would have reached €5,000 to €10,000 if bought elsewhere. Living in a rural area with limited access to specialized stores, he appreciates the savings on travel expenses that online shopping provides.

While he admits to making some purchases that did not meet expectations—like ordering the wrong size bras for his partner—he is largely satisfied with the products’ quality. Social researcher Essi Pöyry suggests that much of the criticism towards Temu stems from the middle class, neglecting voices of those with tighter budgets.

Sociologist Riikka Aro notes that while Temu enables economic savings, cheap products can lead to additional costs if they fail. Aro warns that mass consumerism increases environmental harm, as it promotes unsustainable consumption patterns. However, Nykänen feels that his low-cost purchases are less harmful to the environment than other activities, such as air travel, which he cannot afford.