Shein to host 3-day pop-up event in Brisbane amid Uniqlo copyright infringement claims

A leading Chinese business has announced an “immersive” event in Brisbane amid a backdrop of fresh legal claims.

Controversial online fast-fashion brand Shein will hold a three-day pop-up in Brisbane – amid fresh claims of copyright infringement from Japanese rival Uniqlo.

The Chinese business – which is worth around $100bn and has been hit with multiple lawsuits alleging theft of designs since launching in 2008 – will be hoping to woo customers at Brookside Shopping Centre in Mitchelton from February 9-11.

It has enlisted more than a dozen influencers, including Gold Coasters Emilee Hembrow and Jadee Vice, to promote the Queensland-first event.

Emilee Hembrow. Picture: Instagram / Emilee Hembrow

Jadee Vice. Pictures: Jared Vethaak

It follows a collaboration in Sydney last year with gymnast twins Teagan and Sam Rybka.

“Shein is thrilled to bring our unique, immersive shopping experience to Brisbane, our first stop in Australia this year,” a company spokesperson said.

The pop-up will have a beach club theme “inspired by the sun-kissed beaches in Australia” and feature a beauty bar for makeup tutorials, a live DJ and an assortment of garments, electronics, homewares and outfits for pets.

Shein says the pop-up collection will be inspired by the “sun-kissed beaches in Australia”.

Shein sells into more than 150 countries, excluding China, and adds up to 10,000 items a day to its range.

At a time when cost of living pressures are high, its budget-priced goods are a go-to for many people.

However, Shein has been hit with many lawsuits alleging copyright.

TikTok stars Sam and Teagan Rybka partnered with Shein for an exclusive collection.

In December 2023 Uniqlo filed a claim in the Tokyo District Court over the alleged copying of its popular $24.90 Round Mini bag, saying “the sale of the imitation products by Shein significantly undermines the high level of customer confidence in the quality of the Uniqlo brand and its products”.

Responding to the claim, a Shein spokesperson said: “Shein respects the intellectual property rights of others and takes all claims of infringement seriously. We are currently investigating this matter.”

While Shein was valued at $150bn in 2022, this fell to $97bn in 2023.

However, it still eclipses fast-fashion competitors, Sweden’s H&M – valued at $26bn in 2023, according to Forbes – and Spain’s Zara – $17bn in 2023.

Garments considered fast fashion are inspired by leading designers but made as quickly and cheaply as possible.