The Chinese fast-fashion giant Shein has climbed to the top of the retail market, surpassing Amazon as the most downloaded shopping app in the US.
Valued at an estimated £43 billion, Shein has cemented its position as a dominant player in the fashion e-commerce sector.
Shein’s global influence, particularly during the pandemic, has captured the attention of influencers and high-street devotees alike. Key to its success has been a masterful use of social media marketing, turning it into a fast-fashion phenomenon.
However, the retailer’s business operations have recently come under scrutiny. Allegations about exploitative working conditions in its factories and the significant environmental footprint of fast fashion have started to dominate the headlines. In response, reporter Iman Amrani investigates the behind-the-scenes operations of Shein.
In a first-of-its-kind expose, undercover cameras venture inside Shein’s Chinese factories. The forthcoming episode of Four Corners, “Inside The Shein Machine,” will provide an unprecedented look at the retailer’s production practices.
