How China's fast-fashion app Shein beat Uniqlo's market value

Network of local suppliers and focus on overseas markets pay off

A strong supply chain and deft marketing are behind Shein's rapid rise to success. © Getty Images

TOMOKO WAKASUGI and TAKASHI KAWAKAMI, Nikkei staff writers

September 8, 2022 04:26 JST

SHANGHAI/GUANGZHOU -- Shein's unconventional approach has propelled the Chinese fast-fashion app to a market value far surpassing that of its closest competitors Uniqlo and Zara.

The startup has taken the world by storm by rolling out thousands of new products every day that can be bought for affordable prices. Shirts and bags can go for as little as $5.