Queues of bargain-hunting fashionistas have descended on West Quay today to pay a visit to Shein's pop up shop.

The fast fashion online brand is extremely popular, particularly among young people, due to its cheap prices and the thousands of new products that get listed every day.

News that Shein would be hosting a pop-up store on the Upper Terrace of West Quay between 11am and 7pm sent readers into a frenzy.

Daily Echo:

So it was unsurprising to see fans of the global brand waiting patiently for the shop to open this morning and get their hands on clothes from its summer collection and SHEGLAM beauty range products.

READ MORE: SHEIN reveals plans to open more UK pop-up stores in 2023

Yesterday, the Echo spoke to shoppers in West Quay to see what they thought of the brand.

Josephine and Daniel, both 16-year-old students, had contrasting views on Shein as a retailer. Daniel told the Echo, “I really disagree with it. I don’t know the ins and outs with regards to Shein, but as a whole, I don’t think it’s good. I’ve never bought anything from Shein.”

On the contrary, Josephine said, “I like it. I’ve bought a few dresses from there.” 

She added that she would visit should she be around at the time of the pop up.

“I personally wouldn’t go,” said Daniel, “but, each to their own.”

The brand does not come without some controversy.

Shein is the fastest growing fast-fashion business in the world and releases 6.3 million tonnes of CO² emissions each year, according to Time Magazine.

Last year, Channel 4 released a documentary on the negative environmental and human consequences of Shein, titled “Inside the Shein Machine: Untold”.

Existing customer Amber, 21, said she was 'excited' for the pop-up but added: "I think if you buy it, and wear it all the time, she says, in regards to Shein’s clothes, “not just to chuck away after you’ve worn it - after the trends over - it’s fine.”

Aysha, 19, added to the discussion of sustainability. “I only buy bikinis from Shein - I know everybody’s a bit funny with it. I just like to stay out of all that”.

Charlotte, a 19 year old student, had concerns regarding the growing number of high street fast fashion options in the area. “I respect and appreciate that it will be helpful for those who need to buy clothes that are cheaper, because they need to buy clothes that are more affordable if they don’t have the budget to buy clothes sustainably.

"However, there’s already a Primark in Southampton."

Primark has been in Southampton for a number of years and similarly offers a large range of products at more affordable prices. Unlike Shein, Primark is not available to purchase at online.

Chloe, 20, is also in two minds about the pop-up shop. “I don’t typically shop fast fashion - but I think Shein has everything in one place - it’s very accessible. But I don’t know about the pop up - it’s quite controversial.” 

As an international Shein customer, Ellie, 23, from New Zealand, shares her view on the company, coming to the end of a visit to Southampton. “I purchase from there every so often, it takes a while for it to get to where I’m from, but it’s fairly cheap - surprisingly!”

When asked about a Shein pop up shop, Ellie said “I think it’ll be a lot more reliable than being on the website, considering that the stuff is actually there.” 

The pop-up shop is back between 11am and 7pm on Sunday.