**UPDATE: Nov. 14, 2024, 1:36 p.m. EST**
*This article has been revised to incorporate a statement from an Amazon spokesperson.*
—
Amazon is officially entering the fast-fashion market with the debut of a new rival to Shein, as stated in a [press release](https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/retail/affordable-products-amazon-20-dollars-and-under).
Given Shein’s rapid ascension in the budget-friendly, trend-focused e-commerce sector, it comes as no surprise that Amazon aims to compete with the Chinese fast-fashion leader. Despite facing ethical scrutiny regarding its [labor practices](https://www.theverge.com/2024/8/27/24229755/shein-child-labor-fast-fasahion-transparency-report?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [environmental issues, and product safety](https://time.com/6247732/shein-climate-change-labor-fashion/), Shein has positioned itself as a major player in the online retail market.
In 2023, Shein recorded over [$32 billion in worldwide sales](https://backlinko.com/shein-stats), representing a 42% increase compared to the previous year. Within the U.S., Shein generated more than $14 billion, exceeding both [Walmart.com](http://Walmart.com) and [Amazon.com](http://Amazon.com), which earned between $9 and $12 billion, as per [EcommerceDB (ECDB)](https://ecommercedb.com/insights/top-online-fashion-stores-in-the-united-states-shein-surpasses-walmart-and-amazon/4698).
“Amazon’s online fashion revenues currently trail both Shein and Walmart,” highlighted the ECDB report.
—
### Amazon’s New Budget Retailer: ‘Haul’
Amazon’s new wallet-friendly online retailer, *Haul*, will provide products priced at $20 or less, with the majority under $10. The press release showcased several examples of these inexpensive items:
– **Necklace, bracelet, and earring set for $2.99**
– **Two kitchen tongs for $4.99**
– **iPhone 16 case for $1.79**
– **Belt for $1.99**
– **Three-piece trimmer razor set for $2.99**
To be eligible for free shipping, orders must reach $25 or more, but customers should not anticipate Amazon’s standard two-day shipping. Haul’s delivery timeframe ranges from one to two weeks, as per the company’s statement.
“Discovering excellent products at extremely low prices is essential for customers, and we are continuously looking for ways to collaborate with our selling partners to provide products at ultra-low prices,” stated Dharmesh Mehta, Amazon’s vice president of worldwide selling partner services.
—
### Tackling Environmental Issues
Similar to Shein, the large-scale production of inexpensive goods brings up environmental concerns. Shein’s fast-fashion approach has faced backlash for its major carbon footprint, as noted by [Wired](https://www.wired.com/story/shein-is-officially-the-biggest-polluter-in-fast-fashion-ai-is-making-things-worse/).
When questioned about how Amazon intends to handle these challenges, a company representative replied:
> “Low-cost items are not a new aspect of our business, and we are consistently working to identify opportunities that contribute to our progress on our Climate Pledge to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. With Amazon Haul, we will consider its impact – just as we do for all our operations – and strive to mitigate it accordingly.
>
> We are constantly focused on preventing, managing, and reducing waste throughout our business, including waste generated in our operations and customer waste, such as packaging and discarded products. Our goal is to minimize waste through innovation, design, and efficient operations. Amazon has substituted all plastic air pillows in delivery packaging used at our global fulfillment centers with paper filler. Since 2015, we’ve cut the average weight of packaging per shipment by 43% and avoided more than 3 million metric tons of packaging overall.”
—
At present, Haul is in beta and only accessible via a mobile app. You can explore it [here](https://www.amazon.com/b?node=122341379011).