Shein plans to turn Turkey into a big supplier of its fast-fashion clothes in Europe. This move aims to reduce criticism of its use of Chinese labor. The company is pursuing a £50B listing on the London Stock Exchange, despite Beijing's concerns.
Shein, the fast-fashion giant based in Singapore, is planning to make Turkey a major supplier for its European market. This decision comes in response to criticism over its reliance on Chinese labor. By moving production to Turkey, Shein hopes to address these concerns and improve its reputation. The British Fashion Council has identified Shein's current business model as a "serious problem," highlighting the need for change.
Shein is also pushing forward with plans for a £50B IPO on the London Stock Exchange. The company has already filed papers with the Financial Conduct Authority, marking the first step towards listing. Despite this progress, there are rising concerns from Beijing. Chinese officials are reportedly unhappy with the criticism Shein has faced since announcing its IPO plans and might pressure the company to list in Hong Kong instead.
The Chinese government is reportedly uneasy about Shein's decision to list in London due to the intense scrutiny the company has been under. Critics have pointed out that Shein's use of low-paid garment workers in China allows it to offer its clothes at very low prices. This negative attention has led Chinese officials to consider pushing Shein to choose the Hong Kong stock exchange for its IPO instead.
In response to the criticism and regulatory pressure, Shein plans to diversify its supply chain by using more suppliers closer to its main markets. Turkey has been identified as a key location due to its strategic position and established textile industry. This move is expected to help Shein reduce logistics costs and improve delivery times, while also addressing ethical concerns associated with its supply chain.
Will Shein's strategy to shift production to Turkey work?
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