Shein, the online fashion retailer founded in China, has discreetly initiated the process for a public listing in the US, marking what could be one of the biggest initial public offerings (IPOs) in recent years, according to The Wall Street Journal.
The company, which has captivated a global customer base, particularly in the US, plans to go public as early as 2024, the newspaper reported, citing sources familiar with the matter.
Investment bankers Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS), JPMorgan Chase (NYSE:JPM) and Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) have been appointed as principal underwriters for the offering.
Record revenues
In 2022, Shein reported revenue of US$23 billion and a net profit of US$800 million. The company has also informed investors that it delivered record revenue and income for the first three quarters of 2023.
Under the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regulations, Shein is permitted to keep its listing documents confidential for a period of time leading up to its IPO.
These documents, which will be disclosed shortly before the offer, will provide detailed insights into Shein's financials.
Large customer base
Shein's customer base extends across 150 countries, excluding China, with the US being its largest market.
The company, which has established its dominance in the online clothing sector, is now expanding into other areas, including hosting third-party sellers.
This expansion places Shein in direct competition with established players like Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) and Temu, PDD Holdings' international division.
Additionally, it has taken strategic steps such as acquiring a stake in retailer Forever 21, which enables it to sell in physical retail spaces, and purchasing the British women's fashion brand Missguided.
Valued at US$66 billion in May
Shein relocated its headquarters from Nanjing, China, to Singapore in 2021 but maintained its supply chain in the Chinese province of Guangdong, a key manufacturing hub.
The company was valued at approximately US$66 billion during a funding round in May and is expected to target a higher valuation in its IPO.
Known for revolutionising the clothing industry with affordable fashion items, it has grown into one of the world's leading fashion brands since its inception 11 years ago.
The US listing could position Shein as the largest stock offering from a China-originated company since ride-hailing giant Didi Global's 2021 IPO.
Didi, which was valued at US$68.4 billion at its debut, delisted from the New York Stock Exchange after 11 months amid a tech crackdown by Beijing.