Does Shein redefine fast fashion merchandising strategies? A product-level analysis in the US retail market

Sheng Lu
Noelle Mullen
Publication typeJournal Article
Publication date2024-07-29
scimago Q2
wos Q2
SJR0.374
CiteScore3.7
Impact factor1.9
ISSN15606074, 25158090
Abstract
Purpose

The purpose of the study is to explore Shein’s “ultra-fast fashion” merchandising strategies as opposed to Zara and H&M, two of the most representative conventional fast fashion retailers.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was based on a statistical analysis of the detailed product assortment and pricing information of 12,000 apparel items at the stock-keeping unit level sold by Shein, Zara and H&M in the US market between January 2022 and December 2023.

Findings

Results show that Shein’s merchandising strategies differ statistically from Zara and H&M. Such distinctions can be observed through Shein’s deliberate adoption of a narrower product assortment, substantial investments in trendy clothing over plain-style staple items, a significantly lower product replenishment rate and a more conservative discount rate.

Originality/value

The findings offer unique insights into Shein’s business secret and deepen our understanding of the evolving fast fashion business model.

Found 
Found 

Top-30

Journals

1
Strategic Direction
1 publication, 50%
International Scientific Conference „Business and Management“
1 publication, 50%
1

Publishers

1
Emerald
1 publication, 50%
Vilnius Gediminas Technical University
1 publication, 50%
1
  • We do not take into account publications without a DOI.
  • Statistics recalculated weekly.

Are you a researcher?

Create a profile to get free access to personal recommendations for colleagues and new articles.
Metrics
2
Share
Cite this
GOST |
Cite this
GOST Copy
Lu S., Mullen N. Does Shein redefine fast fashion merchandising strategies? A product-level analysis in the US retail market // Research Journal of Textile and Apparel. 2024.
GOST all authors (up to 50) Copy
Lu S., Mullen N. Does Shein redefine fast fashion merchandising strategies? A product-level analysis in the US retail market // Research Journal of Textile and Apparel. 2024.
RIS |
Cite this
RIS Copy
TY - JOUR
DO - 10.1108/rjta-01-2024-0001
UR - https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/RJTA-01-2024-0001/full/html
TI - Does Shein redefine fast fashion merchandising strategies? A product-level analysis in the US retail market
T2 - Research Journal of Textile and Apparel
AU - Lu, Sheng
AU - Mullen, Noelle
PY - 2024
DA - 2024/07/29
PB - Emerald
SN - 1560-6074
SN - 2515-8090
ER -
BibTex
Cite this
BibTex (up to 50 authors) Copy
@article{2024_Lu,
author = {Sheng Lu and Noelle Mullen},
title = {Does Shein redefine fast fashion merchandising strategies? A product-level analysis in the US retail market},
journal = {Research Journal of Textile and Apparel},
year = {2024},
publisher = {Emerald},
month = {jul},
url = {https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/RJTA-01-2024-0001/full/html},
doi = {10.1108/rjta-01-2024-0001}
}