Thrifty shoppers throng as Shein opens first pop-up store in South Africa

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - Reneilwe Malahlela was one of almost a hundred shoppers queuing at the opening of Shein's first pop-up store in South Africa on Friday, keen to check out clothes and accessories often selling for the equivalent of less than $10 each.

"We like affordability because as a student in this economy, it just makes sense," the 24-year-old said.

Best known as an online retailer, Shein has opened pop-up stores across the world to try to reach a wider audience for its ultra-cheap fashions, mostly made in China.

The South African store, in a Johannesburg mall, will be open from Aug. 2-11.

Malahlela, wearing Shein black leather pants, a corset, biker jacket and a wig - also from the retailer - told Reuters she had been a regular shopper with the brand since 2020.