RUMOURS that retail company Shein is shutting down have had fans worried.
Luckily claims that the clothing company is closing are just part of a hoax and the brand isn’t going anywhere.
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Why is ‘Shein shutting down 2024’ trending?
The term “Shein shutting down 2024″ began trending after false rumours that the brand was closing down were circulated online.
The query has peaked on Google Trends several times since December 2023, gaining traction again mid-February 2024.
Despite the rumours on social media, there is absolutely no truth in them.
On X, formerly known as Twitter, speculation that the brand is shutting down can be found as far back as 2020.
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TikTok users have also jumped on the trend, with numerous videos titled “Shein closing down in 2024” doing the rounds, adding to the rumours.
However there is no evidence to suggest that Shein is at risk.
Shein has become hugely popular since it was founded in 2008 in Nanjing, China.
It was originally called ZZKKO and was started by entrepreneur Chris Xu.
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The company moved its main office from China to Singapore in 2022.
Over the years Shein has faced a number of controversies, including being accused of antitrust violations by rival site Temu.
I thought I’d got a cute co-ord from Shein but it was a fail – I look like a fat Flinstone & my boob was on full display
It has also been hit by several copyright infringement lawsuits and in 2023 H&M sued the retailer for copying its designs.
Despite the legal problems, it has been reported that Shein has filed for initial public offerings (IPOs) in both the US and the UK.
An IPO is a public offering in which shares of a company are sold to investors.
In February 2024, it was reported that bosses at the Chinese firm have been in talks with Chancellor Jeremy Hunt about coming to London.
As of March 2024 Shein has nearly 10,000 employees.
The site supplies to customers in over 150 countries and has an estimated value of approximately £51billion.
How has Shein responded to the hoax?
Shein responded to the hoax on TikTok.
The company’s official page on the video-sharing app uploaded a clip in January 2024 addressing the rumours.
In the short video, two employees can be seen laughing as the term “Shein is closing in 2024” flashes across the screen.
The clip was simply captioned “Business as usual”.
The news was clearly welcomed by fans as it has been liked over 730,000 times as of March 2024.
It seems as though not all Shein’s followers understood the joke, however, as many took it as a confirmation that the site is indeed shutting down.
One fan took to the comments section to write: “NOOO PLS I CAN ONLY AFFORD SHEIN,” as another said: “No don’t leave me Shein.”
Others took it as the denial it was intended to be, with one fan saying: “OMG WHAT A RELIEF.”
As another reassured a fellow poster with: “I don’t think they will be closing. They made that video laughing bcos it isn’t true.”
What have people said about the hoax?
Social media users have had a mixed reaction to the hoax about Shein shutting down.
Some expressed their sadness, believing that the online shop could actually be closing.
On X, one shopper posted: “Why is Shein Trending #1? dont tell me they are shutting down.”
Another added: “Wtf u mean shein shutting down this year?..lemme go buy my cart.”
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Others suggested it was time for the brand to end, with one posting: “I’m glad SHEIN shutting down ! I’m tired of seeing the same f****** shirts and outfits. No shade.”
As another wrote: “Why are people on tik tok sad saying that Shein is shutting down this year? shouldn’t that be a good thing?”
