TOPIC

/ company

Shein

Shein is an online retailer focused on fast fashion and low-price shopping. The company is considered one of the most valuable start-ups in the world, with the Shein app cited as the most downloaded shopping app in 2022 and 2023. Shein has drawn scrutiny over allegations that it uses forced labour for cotton sourced from the Xinjiang region.

Chairman / President

Chris Xu

CEO / Managing Director

Chris Xu

Industry

E-commerce, Fashion Retail

Website

shein.com

Headquarters address

Road One, Maqun Science Park, Qixia District, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China

Year founded

2008

Packs of clothing are displayed at a garment factory for Shein in the Panyu district of Guangzhou on July 27. Photo: Reuters

IPO

Shein is eyeing a valuation rivalling H&M. Will the market buy it?

Ahead of its Hong Kong IPO, the e-commerce firm argues its supply chains and business model give it an edge over traditional rivals.

14 Aug 2026 - 7:18PM

IPO

Shein set for Hong Kong IPO next week, eyes US$35b valuation: sources

11 Aug 2026 - 2:11PM

China exports

How China’s brands are thriving in the US despite rising geopolitical tensions

9 Aug 2026 - 8:00PM

China-EU relations

Germany’s restful Sundays under scrutiny as Chinese imports pile on pressure

As rise of Chinese e-commerce platforms adds to pressure, having Sundays off remains protected under Germany’s Basic Law.

27 Jul 2026 - 6:30PM

A “closed again” sign is seen in a German shop window. Photo: Shutterstock

IPO

Listing spotlight: tariffs drag Shein back into the red ahead of Hong Kong IPO

Tariffs, war and rising costs squeeze company’s margins as IPO looms, testing investor appetite for fast-fashion.

27 Jul 2026 - 11:00AM

China-EU relations

Beijing vows to protect Chinese firms after EU hits Alibaba unit with fine

Commerce officials decry “discriminatory” barriers as source says firm had hired several outside consultants to vet goods and curb counterfeits.

22 Jul 2026 - 8:00PMvideocam

IPO

Shein clears Hong Kong IPO hurdle as valuation halves to below US$50b: sources

Regulatory headwinds, alongside prolonged IPO delays, have severely dented the unicorn’s valuation.

17 Jul 2026 - 5:31PM

A clothing display by Shein in a department store in Paris, November 4, 2025. Photo: AP

E-commerce

Shein executive chairman to step down as IPO nears completion, sources say

The departure of Chinese-American billionaire Donald Tang raises the question of whether founder Sky Xu will now step into the spotlight.

14 Jul 2026 - 2:32AMvideocam

China’s private sector

China records most new unicorn start-ups in 5 years as AI and robotics boom

The pace is the fastest since 2021 though momentum for some start-ups remains uncertain, according to a new report.

7 Jul 2026 - 10:00AM

China-EU relations

Exclusive | China signals openness to cut gaping EU trade gap as Brussels toughens stance

Beijing floats buying more European goods as the EU weighs new trade tools and presses for tangible progress by October.

3 Jul 2026 - 5:11AM

China’s Commerce Minister Wang Wentao, left, and EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic, who held talks in Brussels as Beijing and the bloc sought to ease escalating trade tensions. Photos: AFP

China-EU relations

China’s Fifa fever, EU’s trade deadline: 7 global relations reads

From the Quad’s critical mineral agenda to Shein’s Paris ousting, here are highlights from the SCMP’s overseas correspondents in June 2026.

1 Jul 2026 - 10:30PM

Lionel Messi celebrates scoring Argentina’s third goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J match against Jordan. Photo: Getty Images via AFP

SCMP Highlights

US, Iran sign peace deal; China’s C919 jets face safety checks: 7 highlights

From Malaysian tourists calling Chinese ‘smelly’ to Shein’s Paris store set to close soon, here are highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting.

22 Jun 2026 - 8:17AM

China-France relations

China’s Shein to be ousted from Paris store after other brands flee

New BHV Marais owners say Chinese fast-fashion heavyweight should leave by Christmas after brands pulled out in protest.

17 Jun 2026 - 5:25AM

China economy

Opinion | Why Shein’s French fines are a warning to Chinese firms going global

Chinese firms going global can’t just enter foreign markets – they must also work to earn the trust required to stay there.

14 Jun 2026 - 8:30PMvideocam

Fashion

Chinese fast-fashion juggernaut Shein to buy eco-friendly Everlane

The ‘jarring’ takeover bid arrives at a time when Everlane is struggling with weak sales and higher debt.

22 May 2026 - 11:37PMvideocam

Chinese fast fashion heavyweight Shein is buying Everlane for an undisclosed price. The deal comes as Everlane is struggling. Photo: AP

Icons and Influencers

Meet Ella Devi, the ‘socialist socialite’ fashion influencer drawing Maga ire

Nicknamed ‘hot girl for Zohran’ for her support of the New York mayor, she has called out Pete Hegseth’s wife and Erika Kirk for their fashion choices.

19 May 2026 - 6:00AM

China exports

Flood of small parcels from China pushes Belgian airport to limit

Belgium’s top customs official says main problem is that many products do not meet EU standards.

25 Apr 2026 - 3:00PM

E-commerce

How Amazon uses closer China supply ties to counter tariffs, Shein and Temu

Amazon’s warehousing hub in Shenzhen streamlines shipping for Chinese sellers, cutting costs and delays amid rising competition and tariffs.

18 Apr 2026 - 10:56AM

Amazon

Amazon bets on Shenzhen smart warehouse to cut merchant storage costs by 45%

Amazon expands China push with smart warehouse model, aiming to retain sellers amid rising competition from Temu and Shein.

16 Apr 2026 - 10:53AM

China-EU relations

European Parliament heads to China after 8 years and lobbying from Beijing

Chair of consumer protection delegation due in China next week wants to convey ‘that our rules on product standards are to be followed’.

27 Mar 2026 - 6:12PMvideocam

US-China tech war

China’s global tech push

Chinese tech companies have become world leaders in areas such as AI, online entertainment, drones and autonomous driving, as they spearhead chuhai, the nation’s “going global” push.

30 Mar 2026 - 4:19PM

China-EU relations

EU too slow to act as China rewrites global trade rules, trade chief Sefcovic warns

Commissioner calls for faster trade probes and WTO reform as Brussels confronts overcapacity, subsidies and a US$424 billion deficit.

25 Feb 2026 - 9:18AMvideocam

Maros Sefcovic said Brussels is reviewing trade defence tools and monitoring imports of Chinese plug-in hybrid vehicles. Photo: AFP

E-commerce

Rarely seen Shein founder praises Guangdong ‘roots’ as offshore listing stalls

Shein initially eyed a New York listing before switching to London after scrutiny by Washington over its supply chain and ties to China.

24 Feb 2026 - 7:00PM

China economy

Opinion | How the next China shock is shaping hearts and minds

No longer confined to trade and technology, competition between China and the West is now playing out in the realm of cultural imagination.

21 Feb 2026 - 9:30AMvideocam

China-EU relations

Chinese e-commerce giant Shein could face EU ban over ‘childlike sex dolls’

Investigation will also look at the systems the online retailer uses to ensure illegal products are not being sold in Europe.

17 Feb 2026 - 7:40PMvideocam

The investigation will also look at claims the retailer “underestimated the risks” of selling illegal products. Photo: dpa

China technology

Opinion | ‘Becoming Chinese’ memes reflect a world shaped by China’s ascent

The memes are really about how deeply global digital life is embedded in Chinese-built systems – and how comfortable young people are with that.

13 Feb 2026 - 9:30AMvideocam

There is an emerging trend where foreigners are embracing aspects of Chinese culture by adopting habits such as drinking warm water, herbal teas and wearing slippers indoors. Photo: SCMP composite / TikTok

E-commerce

Chinese-owned Temu catches up with Amazon in global cross-border e-commerce

Shein, another Chinese-founded retail giant, stabilised its market share at 9 per cent in 2025, while AliExpress held 8 per cent.

20 Jan 2026 - 8:15AM

Sustainability

Opinion | Why Shein doesn’t have to be the model for the fashion industry

Although the fast fashion label had a bumper 2025 while familiar brands faced collapse, the industry should not conclude that speed and scale are everything.

7 Jan 2026 - 8:30PMvideocam

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Shein

Shein is eyeing a valuation rivalling H&M. Will the market buy it?

Ahead of its Hong Kong IPO, the e-commerce firm argues its supply chains and business model give it an edge over traditional rivals.

Shein set for Hong Kong IPO next week, eyes US$35b valuation: sources

How China’s brands are thriving in the US despite rising geopolitical tensions

Germany’s restful Sundays under scrutiny as Chinese imports pile on pressure

As rise of Chinese e-commerce platforms adds to pressure, having Sundays off remains protected under Germany’s Basic Law.

Listing spotlight: tariffs drag Shein back into the red ahead of Hong Kong IPO

Tariffs, war and rising costs squeeze company’s margins as IPO looms, testing investor appetite for fast-fashion.

Beijing vows to protect Chinese firms after EU hits Alibaba unit with fine

Commerce officials decry “discriminatory” barriers as source says firm had hired several outside consultants to vet goods and curb counterfeits.

Shein clears Hong Kong IPO hurdle as valuation halves to below US$50b: sources

Regulatory headwinds, alongside prolonged IPO delays, have severely dented the unicorn’s valuation.

Shein executive chairman to step down as IPO nears completion, sources say

The departure of Chinese-American billionaire Donald Tang raises the question of whether founder Sky Xu will now step into the spotlight.

China records most new unicorn start-ups in 5 years as AI and robotics boom

The pace is the fastest since 2021 though momentum for some start-ups remains uncertain, according to a new report.

.css-1f6sr3w{color:#727272;}Exclusive | China signals openness to cut gaping EU trade gap as Brussels toughens stance

Beijing floats buying more European goods as the EU weighs new trade tools and presses for tangible progress by October.

China’s Fifa fever, EU’s trade deadline: 7 global relations reads

From the Quad’s critical mineral agenda to Shein’s Paris ousting, here are highlights from the SCMP’s overseas correspondents in June 2026.

US, Iran sign peace deal; China’s C919 jets face safety checks: 7 highlights

From Malaysian tourists calling Chinese ‘smelly’ to Shein’s Paris store set to close soon, here are highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting.

China’s Shein to be ousted from Paris store after other brands flee

New BHV Marais owners say Chinese fast-fashion heavyweight should leave by Christmas after brands pulled out in protest.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Opinion | Why Shein’s French fines are a warning to Chinese firms going global

Chinese firms going global can’t just enter foreign markets – they must also work to earn the trust required to stay there.

Chinese fast-fashion juggernaut Shein to buy eco-friendly Everlane

The ‘jarring’ takeover bid arrives at a time when Everlane is struggling with weak sales and higher debt.

Meet Ella Devi, the ‘socialist socialite’ fashion influencer drawing Maga ire

Nicknamed ‘hot girl for Zohran’ for her support of the New York mayor, she has called out Pete Hegseth’s wife and Erika Kirk for their fashion choices.

Flood of small parcels from China pushes Belgian airport to limit

Belgium’s top customs official says main problem is that many products do not meet EU standards.

How Amazon uses closer China supply ties to counter tariffs, Shein and Temu

Amazon’s warehousing hub in Shenzhen streamlines shipping for Chinese sellers, cutting costs and delays amid rising competition and tariffs.

Amazon bets on Shenzhen smart warehouse to cut merchant storage costs by 45%

Amazon expands China push with smart warehouse model, aiming to retain sellers amid rising competition from Temu and Shein.

European Parliament heads to China after 8 years and lobbying from Beijing

Chair of consumer protection delegation due in China next week wants to convey ‘that our rules on product standards are to be followed’.

China’s global tech push

Chinese tech companies have become world leaders in areas such as AI, online entertainment, drones and autonomous driving, as they spearhead chuhai, the nation’s “going global” push.

EU too slow to act as China rewrites global trade rules, trade chief Sefcovic warns

Commissioner calls for faster trade probes and WTO reform as Brussels confronts overcapacity, subsidies and a US$424 billion deficit.

Rarely seen Shein founder praises Guangdong ‘roots’ as offshore listing stalls

Shein initially eyed a New York listing before switching to London after scrutiny by Washington over its supply chain and ties to China.

Opinion | How the next China shock is shaping hearts and minds

No longer confined to trade and technology, competition between China and the West is now playing out in the realm of cultural imagination.

Chinese e-commerce giant Shein could face EU ban over ‘childlike sex dolls’

Investigation will also look at the systems the online retailer uses to ensure illegal products are not being sold in Europe.

Opinion | ‘Becoming Chinese’ memes reflect a world shaped by China’s ascent

The memes are really about how deeply global digital life is embedded in Chinese-built systems – and how comfortable young people are with that.

Chinese-owned Temu catches up with Amazon in global cross-border e-commerce

Shein, another Chinese-founded retail giant, stabilised its market share at 9 per cent in 2025, while AliExpress held 8 per cent.

Opinion | Why Shein doesn’t have to be the model for the fashion industry

Although the fast fashion label had a bumper 2025 while familiar brands faced collapse, the industry should not conclude that speed and scale are everything.

Exclusive | China signals openness to cut gaping EU trade gap as Brussels toughens stance

Opinion | Why Shein’s French fines are a warning to Chinese firms going global