Fast-fashion giant Shein has finally said that yes, it is planning a stock exchange listing and while it didn’t specifically say it would be in London, it hasn’t ruled it out.
Bloomberg
Shein’s listing ambitions have long been talked about and its original focus was New York. However, the welcome for a Chinese-linked company there was unlikely to be an enthusiastic one and the rumours since then have said London was the next-most-likely option, helped by the fact that the UK is one of the business’s top five markets.
Donald Tang, executive chairman of the now-Singapore-headquartered-but-Chinese-founded company told The Times in an interview conducted in London that a listing will happen.
And while there has been some opposition from UK groups concerned about everything from its labour practices, to its fast-fashion profile and its secretive nature, Tang doesn’t appear to be afraid of the spotlight that a listing will shine on it.
He said Shein wants to list in order “to embrace the … accountability and transparency of being a public company”.
He added that the business is “democratising” global fashion, that it complies with laws in local markets and creates less waste than its rivals do because of the low inventory levels that it holds. He also cited research that shows its customers don’t view its products throwaway items to be worn just a few times.
Tang said he “admired” UK regulators for “a clear sense of separation between politics and regulation” and he also minimised concerns about Donald Trump’s plan to close the loophole whereby low-priced important into the US are tariff-free.
He said he himself has advocated reform to create a “level playing field” and insisted that Shein’s success is because “we have a superior business model. We are about customers. We’re not about customs policy”.
The now 13-year-old company is believed to have filed paperwork for a potential London listing last summer, although the executive chairman didn’t confirm this and hasn’t mentioned any timing for a likely listing, nor the monetary value it would have.
But the company is already a member of the CBI, the major UK business organisation. That membership came, he told The Times, because “we want to be a globalised company. In London, we want to be a British company. We want to be a British local company … we’re registered here, we’re paying taxes here, we want to be part of a community.”
We know Britons are big on shopping for bargains, with nearly 90% saying they’ve waited for a sale at some point before making a purchase. But what are the top products shoppers are most eager to snap up during a sale?
According to credit card company Aqua’s nationwide survey of 2,017 consumers, bargain shopping of seasonal clothing (eg purchasing a winter coat in early spring) was fourth out of the top 10 list of desirable goods, at 42%, ahead of luxury items (handbags, jewellery, watches) which placed sixth (28%) and high-end brand or designer clothing at seventh (24%).
Leading the way were electronics (48%), home appliances (45%), and furniture (42%).
For those 89% of Britons having waited for a sale before making a non-essential purchase, 23% admitted they do so regularly and Generation X and Millennials are the most strategic shoppers, with 31% of both age groups frequently holding off for better prices. By contrast, only 10% of those aged 65 and over do the same.
Londoners are the most sales savvy in the UK, with 34% saying they wait for sales before making a purchase. Next are those in the West Midlands (26%) followed by Northern Ireland and East of England ( 24% each) saying they frequently wait for sales.
However, 12% of those surveyed say they “always or often” regret buying during sales with men (5%) slightly more likely to experience buyer’s remorse compared to 3% of women.
Additional findings show 31% of Britons say limited-time offers make them feel like they’re getting a better deal, while 24% admit these tactics push them to buy faster than they normally would. Also, 51% of shoppers say they’re primarily motivated by financial savings, with 39% believing they save around 10-20% on each sale purchase.
Earlier this week, Freemans told us how it had a successful Christmas season after launching its festive marketing very early. And it looks like it wants to repeat the feat with its Holiday season.
The e-tailer has unveiled its sunshine season shop and marketing plan even though the UK weather is still very chilly. Its Holiday Shop has just launched and, importantly, should be able to make the most of Britons planning Easter getaways.
And while Sophie Ellis-Bextor was (and will be) the star of its recent/forthcoming AW and Christmas campaigns, for Holiday, Myleene Klass — broadcaster, musician and campaigner for women and children — is the latest well-known name to work with the digital department store.
The 46-year-old is the face of Freemans’ Holiday Shop that includes the exclusive Lascana range (sourced from parent company The Otto Group). It has just launched online.
Lascana offers a comprehensive and inclusive range (sizes 6 to 28) and the wider Holiday Shop offers up to 6,000 SKUs, the largest to date for the e-tailer. As well as Freemans exclusives including the aforementioned Lascana and value offer Bonprix, third-party brands include Accessorize, Fantasie, Freya, Miraclesuit, Pour Moi, Birkenstock, Linzi, Monsoon, and AX Paris, among others.
Freemans last year announced a shift in strategy to reach new audiences targeting the 40+ female shopper. The aim was to positioning its self as a ‘style ally’, to a consumer group who research constantly showed feel neglected.
Ellis-Bextor was the first signing based on the new strategy and Freemans said Klass’s signing “signals the continuation of this strategy, using age appropriate, relatable celebrities to help inspire, inform and educate as to the digital department store’s offer”.
It believes Holiday Shop “presents a large opportunity for Freemans” with its new star helping to “showcase the retailer’s difference”.
The Freemans team and Klass flew to one of the UK’s most popular holiday destinations, Majorca, for a shoot that covered various locations including the beach, a holiday villa and a pool. She wore a selection of swimwear, vest tops, printed palazzo pants, animal print dresses, shirtdresses and jumpsuits, all from the Freemans exclusive Lascana range.
CEO Ann Steer said: “The evolution of the brand continues at pace. It’s essential that we develop ways to stay front of mind with customers old and new. Myleene helps to continue that momentum and it’s great to have her on board.”
The expansion of fashion and luxury brands into premium real estate continues. Today, Saudi Arabia’s Diriyah Company announced the debut of Giorgio Armani‘s design studio in Saudi luxury real estate with the launch of Armani Residences Diriyah, located in the iconic “City of Earth” on the outskirts of Riyadh.
The announcement was made during Diriyah Company’s participation in MIPIM—the international urban environment festival—in Cannes.
These 15 exclusive residences will feature bespoke interiors curated by Giorgio Armani, who has reinterpreted Najdi architecture with a contemporary approach to celebrate Diriyah’s centuries-old heritage.
Armani Residences Diriyah
The residences, located in Diriyah Square, will be next to the future Armani Hotel Diriyah, which began construction in November 2024. The hotel will offer 70 luxury rooms, two fine-dining restaurants, and a premium spa, with suites featuring private spa areas and pools.
The residences will be divided into three distinct design concepts—The Palm Residences, The Botanical Residences, and The Royal Penthouses—ranging from 1,200 to 1,900 square meters. Each residence will include three ensuite suites, elegant living and dining areas, family spaces, a library, and a private pool.
A striking staircase will connect the individual residences called the “Tower of Light” and will be fully furnished and accessorized by Armani/Casa, including custom-designed kitchens and bathrooms. They will also feature a lobby, a private elevator, and direct access from a reserved underground parking area.
The Royal Penthouses will offer exclusive outdoor spaces, including private pools, a yoga terrace, cabanas, and barbecue areas in all upper-level units framed by meticulously designed gardens and landscaped terraces.
Armani Residences Diriyah
Residents will have access to the premium services of the Armani Hotel Diriyah, including a pool, gym, Business Lounge, Armani Study, and in-house dining services. Additionally, they will benefit from a range of included services under an annual fee, such as 24/7 concierge, valet parking, complimentary buggy service between the residence and hotel, a dedicated management team, and routine maintenance, including daily private pool cleaning.
Homeowners will enjoy exclusive privileges, including priority reservations at Armani restaurants, cafés, and hotels worldwide, a dedicated Armani/Casa consultant for shopping and personalized design advice, invitations to special Armani/Casa events, and priority access to new Armani/Casa product launches.
Armani Residences is the latest addition to the prestigious Diriyah-branded collection, which already includes Baccarat Residences Diriyah, Corinthia Residences Diriyah, Raffles Residences Diriyah, The Ritz-Carlton Residences Diriyah, and The Ritz-Carlton Signature Collection Diriyah, totaling 300 luxury residences.
Armani Residences Diriyah
Founded in 2022, Diriyah Company is part of the Public Investment Fund’s (PIF) giga-project portfolio and is responsible for developing Diriyah, positioning Diriyah Square as a hub of luxury and hospitality. The company is exploring further opportunities to introduce new Armani-branded experiences to the City of Earth and expand dining, retail, and lifestyle offerings.
Armani Residences Diriyah is part of Diriyah Company’s residential strategy. Once completed, it will accommodate over 100,000 people, including workers, students, and visitors, across a diverse mix of cultural, entertainment, retail, hospitality, education, and residential spaces. The initial openings include Bujairi Terrace, Riyadh’s new premium dining hub with over 20 international and local restaurants overlooking At-Turaif, and Bab Samhan, a Luxury Collection Hotel offering an exclusive experience with panoramic views of Wadi Hanifah.
What exactly is Diriyah? It is Saudi Arabia’s leading historical, cultural, and lifestyle destination and key to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 plan. Located just 15 minutes from downtown Riyadh, this 14 km² area holds unique historical significance as the birthplace of Saudi Arabia, with origins dating back to 1727. Diriyah is transforming into a mixed-use urban community in authentic Najdi style. At the heart of the project is At-Turaif, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2010, preserving the ancient mud-brick capital of the First Saudi State, which dates back to 1766.
Armani Residences Diriyah
Established over 25 years ago, Armani/Casa is a luxury home décor brand born from Giorgio Armani’s vision of creating a warm, harmonious, highly comfortable, and sophisticated retreat. Today, Armani/Casa offers everything from furniture and accessories to fabrics, wallpapers, and kitchen and bathroom systems.
Since 2004, the Armani/Casa Interior Design Studio has provided comprehensive interior design services for private clients and real estate developers. Its portfolio includes residences in cities such as Miami, London, Beijing, Tel Aviv, Manila, Mumbai, Istanbul, and Mexico City. Armani/Casa operates in 29 countries worldwide and has 40 retail locations.