Shein: The (not so?) Shining Growth of Ultra-Fast Fashion
Résumé
This case is centered on the Chinese online fashion retailer Shein. Created in 2012, Shein
quickly grew to become an internationally known brand without physical premises, selling products
nearly all over the world. The case presents Shein’s international development, examines how the
firm revolutionized fast-fashion models by creating a so-called “ultra-fast fashion” model, and
explores the underlying multifaceted reasons for its enormous success. The case also describes the
limitations of this model, which may eventually hinder Shein’s future growth. Instructors in
international business, strategy, digital transformation, supply chain or marketing may use this case
to highlight the challenges facing a global company in a competitive industry which developed a
new kind of business model, and strategies to maintain the firm’s success under growing criticism