A Shein pop-up store in Tokyo / Photo credit: Melissa Goh / Tech in Asia
A campaign called Shut Down Shein is being waged in the US against the Chinese ultra-fast fashion giant.
According to a statement, a coalition of “like-minded individuals and businesses” is behind this campaign, with the goal to increase the awareness of Shein’s “dangerous and reprehensible behavior.”
At the moment, it’s unclear who the individuals are and which businesses are supporting this campaign besides the fact that it’s being led by media strategist Chapin Fay.
The coalition said its campaign seeks to educate “relevant US government officials” and the American public on “Shein’s alleged questionable and anticompetitive practices,” including avoiding billions in US tariff payments and having no “ethical business practices.”
A Shein spokesperson told Tech in Asia that these claims are “false” and “baseless.”
“Shein proudly provides customers with on-demand and affordable fashion, beauty, and lifestyle products lawfully and with full respect for the communities where we operate,” the spokesperson said, adding that the company “will not hesitate to take swift action” to protect its rights.
See also: Why SEA should watch out for Shein’s top rival Temu
Shein reportedly plans to go public in the US this year, which could be one of the largest-ever listings of Chinese companies in the country.
Meanwhile, TikTok is also fighting a fierce battle in the US. In a five-hour testimony last Thursday, CEO Shou Zi Chew denied any mishandling of US user data. The case is likely heading to courts, according to Bloomberg.
Editing by Thu Huong Le and Dhania Putri Sarahtika
(And yes, we’re serious about ethics and transparency. More information here.)
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