Thrifty shoppers flocked to Shein as it opened its first pop-up store in… | kbnmart

Reneluwe Malahlela was one of about 100 shoppers queuing outside South Africa’s first Shein store on August 2, eager to check out clothes and accessories that often sell for less than $10 each.

“We like the affordability because for students in this economy, it makes sense,” the 24-year-old said.

Shein is best known as an online retailer, and has opened pop-up stores around the world to try to reach a wider audience for its ultra-cheap fashion, much of which is made in China.

The South African store, located in a Johannesburg shopping mall, is scheduled to be open from August 2 to 11.

Malahlela, who was wearing black leather pants, a vest, a biker jacket and a wig from the same brand, told Reuters she had been a regular shopper with the brand since 2020.

Inside the pink-decorated store, young and old browsed through 151-rand ($8.32) sports skirts and 73-rand ($4) belted handbags.

Some, like 63-year-old Namhla Kandawa, saw a business opportunity.

“Our children sit at home doing nothing. So when you come here you look for opportunities… to start buying in bulk and reselling,” the retiree told Reuters, wearing a cotton shirt and khaki trousers.

“I wanted to feel the texture because usually when you order things online, you can’t tell if the texture is good or bad until you see it in front of you and by then it’s already too late.”

Critics of Shein say its low prices are the result of duty exemptions on low-value packages, or exploitation of workers.

The China-based company says its success is down to its “on-demand business model and flexible supply chain” and that it is investing millions of dollars in strengthening governance and compliance across its supply chain.