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Secrets of the ‘Shein village’ where KIDS were caught working in sweat shops… & why you should think twice about returns

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Secrets of the ‘Shein village’ where KIDS were caught working in sweat shops… & why you should think twice about returns
Lifestyle
Source: The Sun
Author: Josh Saunders
Published: Jan, 13 2025 14:39

WITH ultra-cheap prices, special offers served on a colourful spinning wheel and regular free gifts, it’s no wonder Shein has become one of the world’s most popular brands. The Chinese fast-fashion firm reported a staggering £1.5billion in sales last year, up 40 per cent, and is now awaiting sign-off to list itself on the London Stock Exchange for an estimated £50billion.

[Workers operating sewing machines in a garment factory.]
Image Credit: The Sun [Workers operating sewing machines in a garment factory.]

But beneath the bargains and tempting deals are deeply worrying concerns - from children being forced to work to allegations of modern slavery and labour rights abuses. Despite constant denials from Shein, the behemoth has again been accused of “an extreme form of exploitation” by one charity after yet more worrying claims about conditions emerged.

[Workers carrying bolts of fabric in a Shein factory.]
Image Credit: The Sun [Workers carrying bolts of fabric in a Shein factory.]

During the BBC’s visit to Panyu, known as “Shein village” due to the excess of factories there, workers claimed to take zero days off, slave away for 75 hours-plus a week and receive just £265 a month for the displeasure. “It’s clear that it’s illegal and it violates basic human rights. It’s an extreme form of exploitation and this needs to be visible,” said David Hachfield, of the Asia Floor Wage Alliance.

[Arabella Chi at a SHEIN fashion show in Ibiza.]
Image Credit: The Sun [Arabella Chi at a SHEIN fashion show in Ibiza.]

This is just the latest damning claim about Shein, whose popularity has exploded since Covid, in part thanks to A-list celebrity endorsements and support from the likes of Kim and Khloe Kardashian, Katy Perry, Rita Ora, Nick Jonas, and Love Islander Arabella Chi.

[Shein-branded plastic bags in a factory.]
Image Credit: The Sun [Shein-branded plastic bags in a factory.]

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