AliExpress is a global online retail marketplace, owned by China's Alibaba Group, connecting international buyers directly with sellers, mostly small businesses from China, offering a vast array of affordable products like electronics, clothing, and home goods. Launched in 2010, it functions as a B2C platform (Business-to-Consumer), similar to eBay, allowing independent sellers to reach global consumers, known for low prices and wide selection but requiring careful supplier vetting for quality and delivery.