Fast-fashion retail giant Shein has received authorization for its much-anticipated Initial Public Offering (IPO) process in Hong Kong, bringing it one step closer to a listing after unsuccessful runs in both New York and London. This news came from the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) on Friday, offering Shein the endorsement it has been seeking for over a year.
Shein’s journey to the IPO stage has been hindered by a variety of factors, including weak investor sentiment and conservative spending habits among lower to middle-income consumers. The retailer’s journey to the stock market is therefore noteworthy, with many other consumer brands opting to postpone their IPOs in the current financial climate.
Shein was established by Sky Xu, a Chinese-born entrepreneur, in 2012. The IPO approval was contingent upon approval from the highest echelons of the ruling Communist Party in China, due to various controversies surrounding the brand. The controversies included a scandal involving a sex doll in France and allegations of poor labor standards in its supplier factories in China.
Despite these scandals, Shein has shown resilience. The IPO’s confidential nature and the company’s decision not to make the filing documents public suggests that the retail giant is embracing its Chinese origins, rather than distancing itself. This is contrary to the strategies of many Western fashion companies, which have sought to reduce their Chinese exposure.
Shein was valued at a staggering US$100 billion in 2022. However, as the online shopping boom brought on by the pandemic began to wane and a customs duty loophole for e-commerce parcels in the US was closed, the brand’s value decreased. In the latest fundraising round in May 2023, Shein was valued at just $66 billion.
Shein’s IPO goal is speculated to be between $40 billion to $50 billion. The company plans to sell up to 8 percent of its shares, but the final stake sold is expected to be lower, thus generating low single-digit billions of dollars.
Shein’s unsuccessful attempts to list in New York and London indicate the challenges faced by Chinese-linked companies due to geopolitical tensions. Despite moving its headquarters to Singapore in 2022, Shein is still subject to Chinese IPO rules as its products are largely manufactured by third-party suppliers in China.
What controversies has Shein faced?
Shein has been involved in several controversies, including a scandal involving a sex doll in France and allegations of substandard labor practices in its supplier factories in China.
What is the projected worth of Shein’s IPO?
Shein is targeting an IPO valuation of between $40 billion and $50 billion.
Why has Shein’s valuation decreased since 2022?
Shein’s valuation has decreased due to the diminishing online shopping boom brought on by the pandemic and the closure of a customs duty loophole for e-commerce parcels in the US.
