Chinese online fast-fashion retailer Shein will open its first permanent physical store in Tokyo on November 13, Reuters reported. The company also set up temporary pop-up stores in Japan earlier this year.
Located in the Harajuku district, the stores will create a tech-enabled shopping experience, integrating QR codes into the storefront, which lets customers buy items online. The space will also be used for the brand’s events and fashion shows.
Founded by Chris Xu in 2008, Shein is reportedly valued at US$100 billion. Though its products are manufactured and sourced from China, it does not operate in the country. Currently, the US is the firm’s most profitable market.
The launch of a permanent physical store in Tokyo comes amid the company’s plans for an IPO in the US as early as 2024.
In the past, Shein has come under fire for contributing to textile waste and carbon emissions, using unfair labor practices, and stealing designs from smaller businesses, which could potentially hurt its future IPO plans.
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Editing by Deepti Sri and Arpit nayak
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