Huge queues as fashion label Shein unveils Cabot Circus pop-up

Shoppers were pictured queuing in the rain in Bristol on Saturday (April 1) for a Cabot Circus Shein pop-up store. The cheap Chinese fashion brand, which is the world’s biggest, typically operates online only, but it took its Easter-themed ‘glam bus’ to Bristol’s shopping district to sell some of its newly launched pieces.

Shein was first founded in 2008 and has been embroiled in controversy since its launch, including allegations of workplace abuse. It has proven to be a popular choice for online shoppers over the years due to the extremely low prices of its clothing, valued at $100 billion last year, making it worth as much as Zara and H&M combined.

The rain did not dampen the crowds with many people in Bristol eager to get their hands on their new lines. The bus was based at Quakers Friars, Glass House, Penn Street from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

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A Channel 4 undercover investigation alleged that employees at some Shein factories worked up to 18 hours a day, at weekends and were paid as little as 3p per item, with just one day off a month. The claims in the documentary have brought the group under heavy criticism, with their recently released licensed collection with The Rolling Stones reportedly set to terminate their contract over the allegations.

Shein has since promised to invest US$15m (£12.2m) to improve standards at its suppliers’ factories, as it admitted working hours at two sites breached local regulations, PA reported last December. . The online brand said an independent investigation, launched following allegations of labor abuse made in a recent UK documentary, found that employees at two of its Chinese sites were working longer hours than allowed under local regulations. .

It found that staff at one of the factories worked up to 13.5 hours a day with at least two to three days off per month, while those at the second site worked up to 12.5 hours. per day, without a fixed structure of days off.

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The rain didn’t deter shoppers who headed to the Shein pop up near Cabot Circus today (April 1).

(Image: Tom Wren SWNS)

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Shein is a Chinese fashion brand founded in 2008 that distributes all over the world.

(Image: Tom Wren SWNS)

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Last year it was valued at $100 billion, which is more than H&M and Zara combined.

(Image: Tom Wren SWNS)

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Many Bristol shoppers came to try out and get their hands on some of Shein’s new lines.

(Image: Tom Wren SWNS)

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It usually only worked online – the popup was unique to Bristol for the Easter holidays.

(Image: Tom Wren SWNS)

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Shein has found itself in the middle of various controversies over the years, including trademark disputes, tax evasion, human rights violations, and health and safety issues.

(Image: Tom Wren SWNS)

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