Shein Tries to Clear Name With DC Lobby Campaign

Chinese-founded online fashion retailer Shein is attempting to shake scrutiny over its supply chains by launching a lobby campaign in Washington. That's as lawmakers investigate it over forced labor allegations. Shein's popularity soared in recent years, creating a cult following for its cheap and trendy clothes. The company reaches most of its customers through TikTok by snagging them with low prices, most selling for under $15. Those deals grew the business to a $100 billion value in 2022, although that number dropped to $64 billion this year. Those profits turned it into a formidable rival to Zara and H&M. The company churns out over 6,000 new designs on an average day. That fast turnover leads to some legal costs, as brands sue it for ripping off their styles and logos. Shein denies any wrongdoing. But those bargains have sparked bigger concerns over ties to forced labor by Uyghur Muslims in the Xinjiang region.