Shein, the Singapore-based fast fashion giant, is expected to confirm London as its listing destination for its upcoming initial public offering (IPO) in as little as a few days. This decision comes after the company accepted that approval for a US listing was unlikely due to scrutiny from US lawmakers over concerns about the use of Uyghur forced labor in its supply chain.
Shein had initially planned to go public in the US, aiming for a valuation of $80 billion to $90 billion. However, private trades in late 2023 valued the company much lower, at about $50 billion. The company confidentially filed for a US IPO on Monday, November 27, 2023, and is expected to go public sometime in 2024.
Despite the challenges faced in the US, Shein's IPO could potentially be London's largest-ever, providing investors with an opportunity to engage with the fast-growing fast-fashion sector. The company has reportedly told investors it is hoping for a valuation of as much as $90 billion if it goes ahead with the public listing.
Shein's success has been driven by its unique business model, which focuses on making the beauty of fashion accessible to all by matching supply and demand. The company has quickly become the world's biggest player in fast fashion, selling clothing that is cheaply and rapidly produced, then sold at incredibly low prices.
As Shein awaits approval to go ahead with its IPO, the company has reportedly more than doubled its profits in 2023 to a record more than $2 billion. This strong financial performance, coupled with the potential for a high-profile London listing, could help Shein navigate the regulatory and legal challenges it has faced in the US and continue its rapid growth and expansion.
