B2 – Upper Intermediate
Shein is a very popular Chinese fast-fashion website.
Recently, it is being investigated for several questionable business practices that include “misleading information, deceptive product labels, misleading sustainability claims, and hidden contact details”.
They also make it look like they offer better deals by showing a reduced price that were not actually based on the previous original prices. In addition, they set fake deadlines for consumers to check-out in order to pressure them to buy the product.
Read the article about Shein’s practices that breach EU consumer laws. Be ready to answer the questions that follow.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c62vq1mnndno
Vocabulary Questions:
- Explain “willful ignorance”. “That same month, Shein was accused of “willful ignorance” by MPs in the UK after its lawyer repeatedly refused to answer questions about where the retailer sources its cotton.” Use this term in a sentence.
- What does “to come under fire” mean? “Shein has come under fire for its business practices before, with a January BBC report revealing some staff were working 75-hour weeks, in breach of Chinese labour laws.“ Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
- What does “to be in line with something” mean? “It’s now for Shein to step up, respect the rules and bring its practices fully in line with EU consumer standards.” Use this idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.
Discussion Questions:
- What comes to your mind when you hear the term “fast-fashion”?
- From a consumer standpoint, share your reaction to and opinion about Shein’s consumer laws breaches.
- What are your thoughts on businesses like Shein?
- Share your opinion on EU justice commissioner Michael McGrath’s statement, “All companies reaching out to EU consumers must play by our rules. Today’s action sends a clear message: we will not shy away from holding e-commerce platforms to account, regardless of where they are based.”.
- Talk about another company you know of that has breached consumer laws.