South African clothing retailers losing lustre in face of Shein juggernaut

The China-based ultra low-cost fast fashion retailer might have a growing market in South Africa, but it's putting the squeeze on local retailers.

By Georgina Crouth

24 Aug 2023

Photo by Polina Tankilevitch via www.pexels.com

The fashion industry is the world’s second-biggest polluter and fast fashion is at the very heart of the problem, with ultra-low-cost, cross-border retailers accused of human rights violations, environmental degradation, social problems and waste, because returned products are not recycled or resold – they’re destroyed.

These international e-commerce giants are also starting to eat South African clothing retailers’ lunch, even if they won’t admit it publicly.

Last week, Takealot’s Superbalist announced it had commenced a Section 189 process, to restructure its business. Days earlier, Takealot – clearly twitchy about global behemoth Amazon’s pending arrival – announced it was trialling an on-demand service, which offers customers in Durbanville, Parow and surrounds in northern Cape Town a selection of about 500 products, which will be delivered within the hour.

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