Shein is planning to source its clothes for its European market in Turkey as it looks to reduce criticism about its supply chain.
The fast fashion giant is understood to be looking at using suppliers that are closer to its main markets after receiving a backlash amid its plans for a £50bn floatation on the London Stock Exchange, This is Money reported.
Shein confidentially filed papers with the Financial Conduct Authority for its listing back in June.
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However, it is understood that Chinese officials are unhappy with the level of criticism it has faced since revealing its plans and could push the flotation to Hong Kong instead.
Human rights group Stop Uyghur Genocide called for the FCA to block the application on legal grounds, telling The Financial Times that the regulator “must make sure that laws in place to root out modern slavery are complied with”.
Meanwhile, charity Amnesty International said a Shein IPO would be a “badge of shame” for the London Stock Exchange.
A Shein spokesperson told the FT: “Shein has a zero-tolerance policy for forced labour. We take visibility across our entire supply chain seriously and we are committed to respecting human rights. We require our contract manufacturers to only source cotton from approved regions.”
“We pay manufacturing suppliers competitive rates so they can pay fair wages to their workers.”
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