The sprawling collection of affordable garments available on Chinese fashion platform Shein, which caters to a vast international customer base, is truly astounding. Every single day, their inventory is bolstered with an additional 6,000 distinct pieces, ranging from inexpensive tops to budget-friendly dresses that outprice even the most affordable of high street retailers. To help their main demographic – young female shoppers in search of the newest trends – navigate this overwhelming array, a cutting-edge algorithm presents each user with options tailored to her preferences and budget.
But how does this system function? This podcast dives into the mechanisms of Shein, a company now faced with growing scrutiny, not least because it’s gearing up for an IPO launch on the London Stock Exchange. Iman Amrani, who shed light on Shein’s operations in a revealing Channel 4 documentary, expounds on the grim circumstances endured by labourers in factories that provide for this behemoth brand. Workers, who earn as little as 2p per item, are expected to meet a daunting quota of 500 pieces a day. Additionally, the podcast features two attendees who discuss their fascination with Shein. Hosted by Bernice Harrison and produced by Aideen Finnegan.