LONDON: Fast-fashion group Shein committed to engage on issues including sustainability and ethical labour policies when it was allowed to join the British Retail Consortium (BRC), the head of the industry body told Reuters. Shein is stepping up preparations for a London listing but faces growing opposition from lawmakers, workers' rights campaigners and some retailers in the UK over alleged labour malpractices and its use of an import tax exemption. The Chinese-founded company has said it is investing millions of pounds in strengthening governance and compliance across its supply chain and that its Modern Slavery Statement is available on its UK website, as required by law.
Shein's initial public offering (IPO) attempt in New York faced regulatory hurdles and pushback from lawmakers in the United States, where it is not a member of the National Retail Federation, which is the US equivalent of the BRC. Shein, which is also not a member of European trade body EuroCommerce, joined the BRC, which represents about 200 of Britain's biggest retailers, within the last year. "The conversation with Shein joining is the same as it is with any member joining," said BRC CEO Helen Dickinson.
"Are they willing to engage in the subject areas that we think are important to the industry and if they are then they are welcome to come as members," she added. Dickinson said the BRC's mission was to make a positive difference to the UK retail industry and its customers, with growth and investment,.