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Melissa Goh · · 5 min read

Shein-ing the spotlight on Shein

Welcome to the first edition of The Checkout! Delivered every Thursday via email and the Tech in Asia website, this free newsletter breaks down the biggest stories and trends in ecommerce. If you’re not a subscriber, get access by registering here.


Hi there,

You must have heard of Shein (pronounced she-in) by now. It’s one of the fastest-growing ecommerce companies in the world, and it’s not only going up against the likes of Amazon, but it’s also keeping fast-fashion retailers like Zara and H&M on their toes.

In this week’s premium story, we explore just exactly what Shein is. Is it simply an ecommerce marketplace that does ultrafast fashion? Should ecommerce players be worried about Shein encroaching on their turf?

But while the US$15 billion company is on the rise – it’s reportedly ballooned over 100% each year since 2012 – and definitely does have its supply chain nailed down, there are important existential questions: Is there a dark side to Shein and ultrafast fashion in general?

— Melissa


The big story

To Shein or not to Shein: the billion-dollar question facing every ecommerce player

Image credit: Timmy Loen

Shein has taken the world by storm. But should competitors attempt to copy it?


Deep reads

1️⃣ Why Alibaba is betting on Vietnam to reclaim Southeast Asian ecommerce

Here’s a look at why Alibaba is plunking down a hefty US$400 million into a major retail player in Vietnam. Hint: It’s all about groceries.

2️⃣ Sea Group: Singapore’s ‘oops’ company?


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TIA Writer

Melissa Goh

Journalist at Tech in Asia. Got a news tip? Email me: melissa@techinasia.com