As part of its collaboration with Reliance Retail, Shein is expected to procure fabrics for its global and local manufacturing operations from India. The partnership will encompass various aspects such as sourcing, manufacturing, and retailing.

Shein, a renowned global fashion brand that exited the Indian market in June 2020 due to the ban on Chinese apps following the Galwan Valley incident, is reportedly making a comeback through a partnership with Reliance Retail, according to sources.

The collaboration between Shein and Reliance Retail will involve establishing offline stores and an online presence, potentially through Reliance Retail’s Ajio platform. As part of the partnership, Shein is expected to source fabrics for its global and local manufacturing operations from India, indicating a broader association with Reliance Retail that encompasses sourcing, manufacturing, and retailing.

The government has purportedly given its approval for this partnership. Meanwhile, in the United States, where Shein has a significant presence, lawmakers are urging the market regulator to require Shein to disclose its labor practices ahead of a potential IPO.

Although Shein briefly sold its products on Amazon in India in 2021, the fast-fashion brand, operating in 165 countries worldwide, has been largely absent from the Indian market over the past two years. Prior to the Chinese app ban in 2020, Shein was well-received by Indian women for its affordable and trendy fashion offerings, according to industry experts.

Originally founded in China in 2008 by Chris Xu, Shein is now headquartered in Singapore. The approval from the Indian government indicates that it is viewed as a non-Chinese entity, as per insider sources. The return of Shein in partnership with Reliance Retail signifies its renewed interest in the Indian market and its potential for growth under a new business arrangement.