Fast, cheap, but devoid of heart: here's why Temu and Shein are laggards in UK fashion scene

"Temu and Shein have no heart" So said The Sole Supplier Founder, George Sullivan, at a press panel event for Retail Technology Show 2025 in London this week.

In a LinkedIn post, he said: "Yes, they appeal to the consumer chasing low prices, but the brands actually dominating the UK fashion scene are doing something very different: Led by passionate founders who actually care about the product; Focused on quality and innovation over copycat items; Telling stories that inspire the next generation of buyers."

This includes Cole Buxton; Clints; About Blank, to name but a few.

He added: "And let's be real, there will always be a consumer base for cheap, fast fashion. But it's our job to educate people on quality, transparency and most importantly the heart of the brand so they make better choices. Something that Stuart Trevor (founder of AllSaints) is doing very well and spoke a lot about the press panel event."

Shein and Temu did not respond to our request for comment.

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Fashion retail will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards. which will open for entries in March, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.