Vinted’s popularity in France has declined as Shein, the Chinese ultra-fast fashion retailer, has surged ahead, driven by trendy offerings and low prices. The European Commission is investigating Shein and similar companies like Temu for safety violations and labor rights abuses, including poor working conditions and environmental harm. Concerns regarding hazardous products and compliance with health regulations have prompted scrutiny, while Shein faces potential fines and must provide data on the risks associated with its products by February 27.
Vinted’s Decline: Shein Takes the Lead in French Fashion Spending
Since the onset of 2020, Vinted had been the go-to fashion platform for the French, but recent trends indicate a shift. A recent study conducted by the shopping application Joko, utilizing anonymized banking data, has unveiled that as of 2024, Shein, the Chinese ultra-fast fashion retailer, has overtaken the second-hand site in popularity. Founded in 2012, Shein has captivated French consumers with its trendy fashion derivatives and unbeatable prices, which are often achieved through questionable practices.
Unpacking Ultra-Fast Fashion: The Hidden Costs of Low Prices
The entry of e-commerce giants like Shein, Temu, and AliExpress into the European market has ushered in the era of ultra-fast fashion. Shein, in particular, has seen its sales skyrocket by 800% in just three years, largely fueled by viral trends on TikTok. However, this rapid growth comes with significant concerns: poor working conditions for laborers, lack of compliance with health and safety regulations in destination countries, and even tax evasion. These practices may lead to substantial repercussions, as highlighted by the European Commission.
Both Temu and Shein are now under investigation by the European Commission for failing to adhere to safety standards, with many of their products posing risks to health and safety. In October 2024, the Commission initiated an inquiry into Temu for its lack of action regarding these practices. Reports of hazardous items, such as poorly designed heaters that can ignite, toxic detergents banned in Europe, and unsafe children’s toys, have raised alarms about the products being sold.
The European Commission is demanding information from Shein regarding the dangers posed to customers by illegal products on its platform. The company has until February 27 to respond with three specific types of data. Should the information provided be deemed inadequate, the Commission may launch a further investigation. This is not Shein’s first encounter with regulatory scrutiny; the platform has expressed its willingness to cooperate in addressing these urgent concerns. Heavy fines from national regulators, such as France’s DGCCRF, loom as a potential consequence, although a complete ban on Chinese imports is not currently being considered.
In addition to the pressing health and safety concerns, labor rights issues have also surfaced. Numerous media outlets have documented the grueling working conditions faced by employees, particularly among Uyghurs, a marginalized Muslim population in China. Reports of labor practices resembling slavery have emerged, notably highlighted in a Channel 4 documentary from October 2022. These practices not only exploit workers but also inflict significant harm on the environment through overproduction, excessive transportation, and waste generation. Alarmingly, these warnings have yet to spur adequate action.
*Source: BFM TV*