Lakeside Joondalup Shopping Centre has reportedly scrapped a planned three-day pop-up event featuring a controversial fast-fashion brand.
Earlier this month, PerthNow exclusively revealed that the global fast-fashion brand SHEIN would be setting up in the northern suburbs shopping complex for a limited-time event.
The WA-first occasion was set to feature a live DJ, beauty bar, photo booth and promotional giveaways.
Now it’s been reported that the pop-up set for June 21 will no longer be going ahead, according to WAtoday.
“At Lakeside Joondalup, we work with a diverse range of retailers, partners and brands to provide our customers with engaging centre experiences. This includes short-term pop-up activations with both local businesses and community groups as well as popular brands,” the spokesperson said.
“This activation will no longer be proceeding at Lakeside Joondalup, but we look forward to bringing other new and exciting experiences to our community soon.”
It’s understood that the reason for the cancellation remains unknown, and the shopping centre would not be drawn on the motive.
It’s further understood that Shein is set to ensure that the pop-up does, in fact, occur, informing WAtoday that they are “committed to providing the best experience for its Perth customers and would provide further updates ‘in due course’.”
It was set to be SHEIN’S seventh pop-up store in Australia, following the success of its Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney stores.
“SHEIN is thrilled to be making our first visit to Perth, bringing to life another in-person, immersive shopping experience. This time for our Western Australian customers,” said a SHEIN spokesperson.
“We look forward to showcasing some exciting instalments for SHEIN fans, specifically highlighting must-haves for Autumn and Winter.”
The company — which has an Instagram following of more than 32 million — exploded in popularity amid the nation’s cost-of-living crisis as Aussies searched for trendy clothing at affordable prices.
According to Roy Morgan, 770,000 Australians make at least one purchase from the online retailer every month.
Despite its popularity, the company has regularly come under fire for its fast-fashion business model and product quality.
SHEIN is currently facing serious product safety claims after several of its products were found to contain toxic substances well above acceptable levels.
South Korean authorities investigated and found that eight leather products contained extremely high levels of phthalates, a chemical used to soften plastic.
The Seoul Government revealed one pair of shoes contained 428 times the permitted levels.
In response to the claims, Shein said it takes safety “very seriously” and “immediately” took the products off its website.
“Our suppliers are required to comply with the controls and standards we have put in place, and we work closely with international third-party testing agencies … to regularly carry out testing to ensure suppliers’ compliance to our product safety standards,” a spokesperson said.
“Upon learning of any claim against our products, we immediately remove the product(s) from our site as a matter of caution whilst conducting our investigation.”