Shein opened its first physical store in Paris on November 5, 2025, drawing hundreds of shoppers despite controversy surrounding its fast fashion business model and environmental impact. Simultaneously, the French government announced it was suspending Shein’s online platform due to the sale of childlike sex dolls. This action followed protests and a judicial investigation against Shein and other online retailers. Shein responded by pledging to cooperate with authorities, banning the sex dolls, and suspending third-party seller products, amidst news of a man’s arrest in relation to a similar purchase from China.
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An investigation revealed that discarded clothing from UK consumers, including items from major brands like Next, M&S, and Primark, has ended up in massive dumps within Ghana’s protected Densu wetland, a Ramsar site. These dumps, overflowing with fast fashion textiles, are harming local wildlife and polluting waterways, impacting the livelihoods of local fishermen. While some brands acknowledged the industry’s challenges and cited their take-back schemes, the sheer volume of exported textile waste overwhelms Ghana’s waste management capabilities. The situation highlights the urgent need for extended producer responsibility (EPR) frameworks to hold fashion companies accountable for their products’ end-of-life impact.
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Trump’s recent decision to close a loophole in China tariffs is sending ripples through the fast-fashion world, significantly impacting online retailers like Temu and Shein. The new tariff applies to international postal shipments valued under $800, imposing either a 30% levy on the item’s value or a minimum charge, whichever is higher. This means that smaller packages face a substantially increased cost.
Initially, the minimum tariff was set at $25, affecting packages up to roughly $83 in value. However, starting June 1st, 2025, this minimum charge doubles to $50, impacting packages valued up to approximately $167. For shipments exceeding these thresholds, the 30% tariff remains in effect.… Continue reading
Forever 21, a pioneer of fast fashion, has filed for bankruptcy and will close its remaining US stores. The company cites intense competition from foreign fast-fashion retailers, leveraging pricing advantages, as a major factor in its demise. Rising costs, economic headwinds, and shifting consumer trends also contributed to the decision. While US stores will close, international locations and the company’s website will remain operational.
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The recent news about President Biden targeting Shein and Temu with new rules to curb the alleged abuse of a U.S. trade loophole has sparked a lot of discussion online. As someone who frequently shops online, I can understand the frustrations that many consumers have expressed about the prevalence of cheaply made products flooding the market from overseas retailers. It’s no secret that companies like Shein and Temu, among others, have been taking advantage of the de minimus provision to avoid tariffs and duties while selling subpar products to unsuspecting customers.
It’s disheartening to see that a significant percentage of packages shipped to the U.S.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood