Etienne Joubert’s Post

BDA London recognises the pressures of our industry and partners with like-minded businesses to create sustainable product ranges.  This involves finding a balance in the number of trends – avoiding excessive choice, as exemplified by SHEIN releasing over 7,000 new items daily, yet ensuring offerings remain fresh.  Crucial to this approach is supply chain agility, with a preference for on-shoring and shorter lead times.    It's understood that getting the wrong product to a store or website promptly has no advantage. The focus is on understanding the total cost of goods, not just the purchase cost, by comparing intake margin versus maintained margin.    Our industry often ends up through current range structure, buying process or overall business model results in redundant stock of brocken size ranges across numerous options is not viable for businesses or communities. It’s all about the first mile not necessarily the last mile.   Fast fashion's detrimental impact on both industry and environment is acknowledged, highlighting the urgency to develop product strategies that address customer needs ( rather than creating wants ) in a wiser, more informed way. A shift towards evaluating social progress, rather than exclusively focusing on GDP or profit, offers a more comprehensive understanding of our growth as a global community. ( is this what France trying to do ? )   To initiate these necessary changes, it is crucial to incentivise decision-makers and stakeholders, ensuring businesses are accountable to both shareholders and society.    This responsibility extends to re-evaluating production practices, promoting recyclable and sustainable materials, and minimising waste. By adopting these measures, the industry can mitigate its environmental footprint, fostering a more sustainable and responsible business model. Adopting sustainable practices and focusing on long-term social progress rather than short-term profits are essential steps towards addressing the pressing health and environmental issues of our time. Through collaborative efforts between businesses, stakeholders, and communities, we can forge a path towards a more sustainable and equitable future. #sustainability #trendplanning #innovation #designplanning #futurism #creativity.

How should we approach sustainability when in survival mode?

Give us your thoughts on Jeremy Hunt and Shein ‼ The UK’s Chancellor is welcoming the possibility for a UK listing stating these very words: "A listing of Shein's stature could not only spotlight London as an attractive market for international companies but also provide investors with a lucrative opportunity to engage with the fast-growing fast-fashion sector, which continues to gain traction among consumers globally, particularly among Gen-Z audiences," These words come from a Government that cast more shadow on sustainable practices as we see them now, and no doubt the final nail in the coffin will come tomorrow on Budget Day. How should we approach sustainability when in survival mode? Quote Source: https://lnkd.in/dqN-geWv

U.K. Govt slowly disconnecting itself from sustainable commitment or do they really not see the bigger picture here. Fast fashion exacerbates an already major problem for waste and promotes this to the younger demographic. Concerning #sustainability #sustainablefashion

Shein's Strategic Shift: Embracing Sustainability Amid Expansion Plans. Shein, a leading figure in ultra-fast fashion, is pivoting towards sustainability as it prepares for a potential initial public offering (IPO) valued at around $100 billion. This shift appears partly driven by increasing scrutiny from both regulators and consumers, particularly concerning environmental and social governance (ESG) standards. Despite previously shunning the sustainable practices adopted by its competitors like H&M and Zara, Shein is now engaging with NGOs like Textile Exchange and CanopyStyle, signaling a commitment to more sustainable operations. This newfound focus on sustainability aligns with broader access to finance, as investors are progressively integrating ESG considerations into their decision-making processes. However, skepticism remains regarding the depth of Shein's commitment, given its high-volume production model and recent efforts to leverage tax advantages to undercut competitors significantly. #SheinSustainability #FashionESG #UltraFastFashion #SheinIPO #SustainableFashion https://lnkd.in/daH7kkD8

Shein's Strategic Shift: Embracing Sustainability Amid Expansion Plans. Shein, a leading figure in ultra-fast fashion, is pivoting towards sustainability as it prepares for a potential initial public offering (IPO) valued at around $100 billion. This shift appears partly driven by increasing scrutiny from both regulators and consumers, particularly concerning environmental and social governance (ESG) standards. Despite previously shunning the sustainable practices adopted by its competitors like H&M and Zara, Shein is now engaging with NGOs like Textile Exchange and CanopyStyle, signaling a commitment to more sustainable operations. This newfound focus on sustainability aligns with broader access to finance, as investors are progressively integrating ESG considerations into their decision-making processes. However, skepticism remains regarding the depth of Shein's commitment, given its high-volume production model and recent efforts to leverage tax advantages to undercut competitors significantly. #SheinSustainability #FashionESG #UltraFastFashion #SheinIPO #SustainableFashion https://lnkd.in/daH7kkD8

Perhaps #sustainability does matter. At least when a company stands accused of unfit working conditions, considerable environmental damage (including CO2 emissions, microplastic shedding….), appropriation of IP, avoiding taxation and use of cotton produced by forced labor. Shunned by the US, SHEIN turned to London to confidentially file for its IPO. But…according to Sam Kerr, Gustav Hoejmark-Jensen, Crisitano Dalla Bona, and Taku Dzimwasha, Shein has yet to implement its financial advisors’ supply chain recommendations. They write “though Shein wanted a summer IPO, there are doubts even an autumn listing is possible, the first source said, if it proceeds, a 2025 floatation is more realistic.” Advisors are likely worried because “those responsible for a prospectus are liable to pay compensation to an investor who has suffered a loss” if there are misleading statements in the document….” according to a source. They continue…quoting a source “there are accute concerns among buysiders about Shein’s supply chain, particularly around modern slavery and working conditions.” Maxine Bédat Matt Powell Sarah Kent Zofia Zwieglinska Helen Reid Livia Giuggioli Firth Leslie Johnston, M.Sc. Joel Makower Heather Clancy John Elkington Paul Foulkes-Arellano Sydney Badger Grace Zuncic Kathleen Talbot Brett Mathews Christine Goulay Deborah Weinswig 韋葆蘭 Sucharita Kodali Tariq Fancy

TOMS and SHEIN : A Tale of Two Businesses Shein, a leading #fastfashion retailer, exemplifies a business model that is directly opposite to Tom's: 1. #ProfitDriven Focus: Shein prioritizes maximizing profits through the rapid production of low-cost clothing. Unlike Tom’s One-for-One model, there is no direct social benefit associated with each purchase. 2. #Unsustainable Practices: Shein is known for its unsustainable practices, such as excessive use of water, reliance on synthetic materials, and significant waste generation. This contrasts sharply with Tom’s commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing. 3. #LaborConcerns: Reports often highlight poor working conditions and low wages in Shein’s supply chain. In contrast, Tom’s ensures ethical practices and fair treatment throughout its operations. 4. Short-Term Engagement: Shein focuses on quick #trends, encouraging a disposable culture. Tom’s, with its #socialimpact initiatives, fosters deeper, more lasting connections with its customers. While Shein’s model achieves rapid financial growth, it faces criticism from conscious consumers, underscoring the importance of integrating social responsibility into business practices in today’s market.

Analysis: Rumoured Shein listing could damage London Stock Exchange's ESG reputation, say investors June 17 - Rumours continue to swirl about Shein’s potential flotation on the London Stock Exchange (LSE), with the latest being a hike in prices across its products in order to boost revenues, and valuations. While both the global fast fashion giant and the LSE have declined to comment, some ESG investors say the suggested IPO raises questions about the reputation of the LSE, and the investment potential of fast fashion in general. Shein has been heavily criticised by human rights and environmental campaigners. Allegations, which the company has denied, include harsh working conditions with 75-hour working weeks on a low wage; cotton linked to forced labour in China’s Xinjiang region; and encouraging overconsumption via its ultra-low prices. https://lnkd.in/d6cRsEse #reputationriskemerging

Cracking the Code to Supply Chain Efficiency? SHEIN's Bold Move! 🌐 In an unpredictable market, profits trump sales as the new gold standard for apparel businesses. It's a tough climate, with VC's tightening the purse strings and founders/investors bracing for modest returns. Amid these challenges lies an opportunity - and it seems SHEIN has caught wind of it. 🚀 The e-commerce giant, widely known for its fast-fashion prowess, is taking an unexpected turn - marketing its highly streamlined supply chain infrastructure to other global brands, as reported by the Wall Street Journal. This strategic pivot offers a glimpse into how agility in operations can be the lifeline for brands struggling to navigate the financial squeeze of the current market. SHEIN's move isn't just about expansion but reflects a deep understanding that the backbone of retail resilience today is a robust supply chain. By offering its logistics, production, and distribution expertise to others, SHEIN is positioning itself as a key player not only in the realm of trendsetting fashion but in enabling brands to optimise their own processes in pursuit of profitability. But, what's truly intriguing is the timing - during a period of austerity, SHEIN identifies a fresh revenue stream that could redefine the market's approach to supply chain management. It's a reminder for all businesses: innovation isn't just a product or a service - sometimes, it's the way you orchestrate your operations. As SHEIN charts a new course, could this be the wake-up call for brands to recalibrate their strategies? One thing is certain - in a world where the bottom line is king, those who master efficiency will likely wear the crown. Let the conversation begin! #SupplyChainInnovation #RetailStrategy #BusinessAgility