Shein, a well-known fast fashion brand, has made a comeback in India after being banned in 2020. The company has re-entered the Indian market through a partnership with Reliance Retail, which is led by Isha Ambani. The Shein India Fast Fashion app was launched over the weekend, marking a new chapter for the brand.
Why Was Shein Banned in India?
In 2020, the Indian government banned Shein along with several other Chinese apps due to concerns over data security and privacy. The decision was made during a time of rising diplomatic tensions between India and China.
Before the ban, Shein was popular among Indian shoppers for its affordable and trendy clothing. However, once the ban was enforced, the brand completely disappeared from the Indian market.
Other apps like TikTok and PUBG were also banned, although PUBG later returned as Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI).
Shein’s New Partnership with Reliance Retail
Shein has re-entered India through a licensing agreement with Reliance Retail. Under this deal:
- Reliance Retail will manage Shein’s operations in India.
- All Shein-branded clothing sold in India will be manufactured and sourced locally.
- Shein will not have direct access to Indian user data, ensuring compliance with government regulations.
- Reliance will store customer information within India, following strict data security policies.
The partnership allows Shein to return to the Indian market while following the country’s data protection rules. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal confirmed in December that the arrangement ensures Shein follows all local laws.
Launch of New Shein App in India
Shein’s new mobile app was made available for download on Friday night. Early users have already noticed:
- Massive discounts on clothing, with prices starting at Rs 199.
- Deliveries are currently limited to major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.
- The company plans to expand nationwide soon.
Shein has also added new features to the app, making it user-friendly for Indian shoppers.
Shein originally started in China in 2012, but later moved its headquarters to Singapore. It has grown rapidly and now sells products in over 150 countries.
There are also reports that Shein is preparing for an IPO in London later this year. This would mark a major financial milestone for the company as it continues to expand its global presence.
What This Means for Indian Shoppers
With Shein back in India, customers will once again have access to its trendy, budget-friendly clothing. The partnership with Reliance Retail ensures that all products are manufactured locally, supporting the Indian economy.
For shoppers, this means:
- Affordable fashion with a wide variety of choices.
- Fast delivery in major cities, with plans to expand.
- Secure transactions with all customer data stored within India.
Shein’s return to India marks a significant moment in the fashion industry. After being banned for five years, the company has found a way to reconnect with Indian consumers through its partnership with Reliance Retail.
With discounted prices, local sourcing, and compliance with Indian regulations, Shein is set to make a strong comeback in the Indian market.
