Shein, Temu pose threat to region’s retail sector: Alshaya

Mohammed Abdulaziz Alshaya, Executive Chairman of Alshaya Group

Mohammed Abdulaziz Alshaya, Executive Chairman of Alshaya Group, said that Chinese e-commerce platforms Shein and Temu could pose a threat to the traditional retail sector in the region if their expansion continues without fair regulations, noting that “commerce may weaken, but it does not die.”

The two platforms generate massive profits that are transferred to China, without contributing to local economies through hiring nationals, paying municipal fees, or leasing retail outlets, creating an uneven competitive environment for local retailers, Alshaya said at the UAE–Kuwait Economic Forum held in Dubai, as reported by Emarat Al Youm.

He pointed out that the traditional retail sector requires significant capital investments and bears high operating costs, while e-commerce platforms benefit from broad facilitations.

Alshaya called for the enactment of legislation and regulations to ensure a balanced playing field between e-commerce and traditional retail.