Global fast fashion business Shein is fielding backlash on its second attempt to host a pop-up in Perth next month.
Shein has secured a new location for its first-ever Perth pop-up at the Centenary Pavilion at Claremont Showgrounds between July 5 and 7. This follows the surprising cancellation of its initial plan to open a pop-up at Lakeside Joondalup Shopping Centre north of Perth CBD.
But now, since announcing the new date and location, four Perth business owners - including The Curated Wardrobe founder Hazel Law, Kura Studio founders Serena Pangestu and Anika Kalotay and sustainable fashion advocate Heidy Sands - have launched a petition to cancel Shein’s new pop-up.
So far, the change.org petition has passed 5,400 signatures.
“We want the The Royal Agricultural Society of WA to reconsider hosting Shein's pop-up event at the Claremont Showgrounds,” Law said.
“Its members are committed to preserving the environment and fast fashion's impact is devastating for the environment, the garment workers, our community and our health. Hosting this event implies the prioritisation of profit over sustainability, leading to negative impacts within our environment and community.”
Law added that she understands there is a cost-of-living crisis going on, but said looking good doesn’t need to cost the Earth.
“Perth has impressive pre-loved boutiques, charity shops and luxury fashion rental site, The Volte, was even founded here in Perth,” she said. “By renting, donating or selling some of our unworn items, we can create space for a thriving circular fashion economy and invest our money into Perth’s thriving pre-loved fashion scene.
“We’ve got an opportunity to send a strong message that Perth doesn’t stand for fashion waste.”
In a recent article, a Shein spokesperson reported an overwhelming positive response from customers when sharing news of its past pop-ups online. Shein has hosted several pop-ups across Australia’s eastern seaboard.
“We remain committed to making the beauty of fashion accessible to all, and promoting our industry-leading, on-demand production methodology to economically meet the way consumers want to shop in the future,” the spokesperson said.
“Australia is already benefiting from our model to launch items in small initial batches of 100 to 200 items, evaluating customer feedback in real time, and restocking products that are in demand. For some customers, this means purchasing items that are unique and have seen very small production.”