📚 Polish Universities End Shein Collaborations
Several Polish universities have withdrawn from agreements with Shein after student protests. The Chinese fast fashion brand had planned to open showrooms on campuses in five Polish cities, including Warsaw, Krakow, and Wroclaw. The tour aimed to expand Shein's presence, but backlash from students halted its progress. Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan and Jagiellonian University in Krakow were among the first to act, citing ethical concerns raised by students.
📢 Student Protests Drive Decisions
Students at these institutions opposed Shein's presence, highlighting its unethical practices. "We strongly oppose the activities of companies whose reputation and conduct are inconsistent with ethical standards," stated the Jagiellonian University Student Government. The Adam Mickiewicz University also reversed its decision after receiving a formal appeal from students, pushing university authorities to rethink their cooperation with the brand.
🛑 Other Universities Follow Suit
The Academy of Physical Education in Katowice and Wroclaw also withdrew permissions for Shein’s events. They made statements on social media, confirming the cancellation of Shein showrooms. Shein’s plans met further resistance at the Silesian University of Technology in Gliwice, where the rector clarified that the university had rejected an offer for a paid arrangement with the brand.
📉 Shein's Growing Challenges in Poland
Shein managed to open a showroom in Warsaw on October 21, but faced widespread criticism elsewhere. This comes amid growing scrutiny in the EU over Chinese platforms like Shein. Deputy Minister of Development Ignacy Niemczycki mentioned that many of their products fail to meet EU standards. With over 6M users in Poland, Shein's presence remains strong, but the student-led resistance may signal challenges in gaining further acceptance in Polish markets.
Should student protests decide campus partnerships?
