Why Do People Buy from SHEIN? Unveiling the Secrets Behind Its Popularity - Playbite (2024)

FAQs

Why Do People Buy from SHEIN? Unveiling the Secrets Behind Its Popularity - Playbite? ›

SHEIN's influencer marketing and social media buzz make it irresistible. Everyone's talking about the latest finds! SHEIN's popularity comes from their trendy, affordable fashion that constantly updates. It's like a treasure hunt every time you shop!

However, despite Shein offering a secure shopping experience, it is surrounded by controversy that may make you weigh your purchasing choices. It raises ethical concerns over business practices and labor conditions, while its fast fashion model sparks debate over sustainability and the environmental impact.

Workers in some factories supplying Shein are still working 75-hour weeks, according to an investigation by Public Eye, a Swiss human rights advocacy group that first highlighted the alleged abuse back in 2021.

With Shein, you get what you pay for: low-cost, trendy clothes that can be hit or miss when it comes to actual quality. It's the online-only equivalent of mall stores like Forever 21, H&M, and Zara.

Accessories and jewelry make 25% of all products sold on Shein. Massive earrings, bracelets, and rings with nature designs are the hit of this summer.

Outsourcing labor

One of the key ways that Shein and other fast-fashion brands keep prices low is by outsourcing manufacturing labor to cheaper markets, said Dana Thomas, a Paris-based fashion journalist and author of “Fashionopolis: The Price of Fast Fashion and the Future of Clothes.”

According to media reports, the Chinese retailer has been accused of breaching its own legal settlements as it reportedly continues to offer “counterfeit” items that it had agreed to put a stop to, building on the persistent allegations and claims of repeat transgressions that have mounted over the years.

Compromised Quality

Their extremely low prices often mirror the quality of their products. Many customers have reported poor fabric quality, inconsistent sizing, and clothes that quickly wear out or fade after a few washes.

Affordable Prices.

Shein aims to offer up-to-date and relevant styles at competitive prices. If consumers like a dress from Zara, they can find a similar style from Shein at approximately 70% of Zara's price. Its ability to provide such low prices is attributed to its supply chain, business model, and trade policies.

It was named the most popular fashion brand of 2022, according to a ranking by money.co.uk. The company was the most Googled clothing brand in 113 countries. Overpassing other famous brands like Nike and Adidas for the top spot, Shein became so popular due to large amounts of cheap clothing following popular trends.

What is Shein's biggest competitor? ›

Amazon's U.S. eCommerce fashion revenues have surpassed Shein's significantly until 2022, with US$8.6 billion versus US$5.8 billion, respectively.

Inconsistent Quality: While Shein offers some high-quality items, the overall quality can be hit or miss.

Compromised Quality

Their extremely low prices often mirror the quality of their products. Many customers have reported poor fabric quality, inconsistent sizing, and clothes that quickly wear out or fade after a few washes.

Behind Shein's marketing success lurk legal allegations of copyright infringement and intense U.S. scrutiny over alleged forced labor practices and inhumane conditions for the workers who produce the exceedingly inexpensive clothing.

SHEIN has adopted a code of ethics to enable employees, contractors, suppliers, and other SHEIN related parties to understand how to comply with applicable anti-corruption laws and regulations, and our ethical commitments.

Our suppliers will not use real fur, exotic skins, or any other products derived from animals that have been killed solely for garment production. Our suppliers will not engage in animal testing of cosmetic products.