Chinese e-commerce retailer Shein has divided opinion with its first physical pop-up store in South Africa.
retailer Shein has divided opinion with its first physical pop-up store in South Africa that lured bargain hunters and spurred a tax change after rivals said the competition was unfair., north of Johannesburg, for just over a week in August attracted long queues of customers eager for clothes and accessories often selling for less than R200/item.
Some, like 30-year blogger and fashion influencer Mi’chal Naidoo, said she was won over. “First initial expectation from Shein was that it was not up to my standard of what good quality would be,” Naidoo said. The store that opened in Mall of Africa for just over a week in August attracted long queues of customers
“So, when I started noticing that, hey, this is actually like every piece of clothing in my cupboard, I was like maybe I should rethink this and give it a try,” she added. “It’s actually really affordable.”From 1 September, people importing low-value parcels have been required to pay VAT of 15%, which they previously avoided, and the tax authority has said it could also increase the 20% customs duty concession rate they pay. The standard level is 45%.
“We have to get smarter in order to be more responsive,” said Michael Lawrence, the executive director of the National Clothing Retail Federation that represents fashion retailers in South Africa. —The work we do at TechCentral is made possible through the support of our commercial partners. Please help us produce the original and quality South African technology journalism you value by disabling your ad blocker.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Temu and Shein hurt Woolworths in South AfricaThe Chinese retailers are likely to have played a part in Woolworths’ profit crashing in its last financial year.
Read more »
Mzansi Woman Plugs South Africans on How to Avoid Shein Customs Fees in a VideoA South African woman shared how to avoid Shein customs fees in a TikTok video. The clip went vrial on social media, leaving people with mixed reactions.
Read more »
Temu and Shein customs crackdown in South AfricaOne of Temu and Shein’s shipping partners in South Africa, Buffalo Logistics, says forthcoming customs changes will likely impact delivery timelines.
Read more »
Big question over Shein stores in South AfricaShein opened a pop-up store in Johannesburg for ten days and it remains to be seen if it will launch more.
Read more »
South Africa should copy Temu and SheinNaspers and the Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection say South Africa can learn from the success of Shein and Temu in the country.
Read more »
Taxman cracks down on Temu and Shein in South AfricaThe South African Revenue Service will implement interim tax changes from September 2024.
Read more »