Shein, the Singapore-based fast-fashion online retailer, announced that it is expanding its marketplace to Mexico, and that launches in Germany, Spain, France and Italy “will soon follow suit.” The marketplace was previously rolled out in Brazil and the U.S. Shein noted that the local marketplaces offer products from third parties alongside its own products. It highlighted the presence of Skechers on its site.
According to the news agency Reuters, Shein is seeking more warehouse space in Mexico and has been scouting for at least 35,000 sqm north of Mexico City.
Shein has been trying to diversify its supply chain beyond China. It started manufacturing in Turkey last summer and is sourcing more fabrics from India. It has also doubled down on investments in Brazil, which will become its Latin American manufacturing and exporting hub, according to The Wall Street Journal. Meanwhile, Reuters reported that Shein plans to open a factory in Mexico.
The Wall Street Journal added that Shein is now the top fast-fashion retailer in the U.S. by market share and is trying to position itself as a non-Chinese company. ”But despite talking up transparency and traceability in its most recent sustainability-and-social-impact report, it remains mum on many of its business practices, including details on its suppliers, which are primarily in China,” the newspaper wrote.
Shein also announced the launch of a new global seller empowerment program called AcceleraSHEIN. It offers “a holistic system of support” to all sellers on its marketplace, “including training and upskilling, seller benefits and incentives to help them achieve their business goals,” it said. It added that 100,000 “high-potential and high-performing” marketplace sellers will receive incentives and mentorship to hit annual sales milestones of $100,000 within three years, with 10,000 sellers put on a fast-track program to achieve $1 million in annual sales within three years. Marketplace sellers can follow weekly training sessions and workshops conducted by professional consultants as part of the AcceleraSHEIN Academy, the online retailer explained.
