How Shein became a fast-fashion behemoth

The Indicator from Planet Money

NPR

Business

4.7 • 9.2K Ratings

🗓️ 7 July 2023

⏱️ 9 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

In the past few years, Shein has grown into the world's largest online-only fashion retailer. And in the process, it has also drawn criticism, a cultural backlash, and the ire of U.S. lawmakers. Today on the show: how Shein's unusual business model helped it grow from a small internet startup to a global retail behemoth, and why it is so controversial.

Transcript

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0:00.0	NPR.
0:12.0	If you had to sum up the fast fashion industry in just four words, it would be trendy clothes
0:17.0	for cheap.
0:18.0	But you know, even in an industry known for cheap, someone say disposable clothing, a company
0:24.7	called Shien has taken this idea to a whole other level.
0:27.7	Yeah, if you go to the website for Shien, a pant suit will cost you $28.
0:32.0	A graphic hoodie, only $11, a full-length floral print dress, just eight bucks.
0:39.1	Unbelievable.
0:40.1	And what does it actually take to make clothes this cheap?
0:43.1	Yeah, there's got to be a catch.
0:44.4	I mean, Shien recently tried to answer this question by inviting a group of fashion influencers
0:49.3	to Guangzhou, China.
0:50.7	It's part of a PR series that they nicknamed Shien 101.
0:54.7	First day, a fashion designer for Shien in Guangzhou, China.
0:58.1	We made it to the four seasons.
0:59.5	The city is just honestly so amazing.
1:01.8	We even went to the mall and did some window shots.
1:04.1	First up, a dinner on the company.
1:05.9	And here is us at the welcome dinner.
1:08.1	We had like a 10-course meal.
1:09.8	And then there was a company-led factory tour.
1:12.9	A promo video shows a diverse group of young women smiling as they walk through a brightly
	...

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