Everlane, the retailer that built its brand on a promise of affordable, ethically sourced, and sustainable clothing, is being acquired by Chinese fast-fashion giant Shein.

The deal was confirmed to Everlane employees by CEO Alfred Chang.

No purchase price has been disclosed, and Shein declined to comment.

Founded in 2011 by Michael Preysman and Jesse Farmer, Everlane championed transparency, regularly publicising audits of its pay, working conditions, and environmental impact.

But the company in recent years has been embroiled in controversies surrounding treatment of its workers, according to media reports.

L Catterton began acquiring significant stakes in Everlane in September 2020. It also owns a significant stake in brands Boll & Branch, Etro and Birkenstock.

Preysman officially stepped down in 2022.

“Like many brands, we’ve faced increasing pressure in a rapidly changing retail landscape,” Chang wrote in the letter. “This partnership allows us to remain independent, and gives us the stability and resources to make a larger impact, without compromising on the quality and standards that make Everlane, Everlane.”

Chang, who became CEO in 2024, wrote that the deal will enable the business to invest more in its product, innovation and staff. He emphasized that Everlane will remain an independent brand, staying true to its “sustainability” commitments.

Chang said he will continue as CEO and its leadership will remain in place.

The takeover bid arrives at a time when Everlane is struggling. Sales are down and debt has mounted, according to Neil Saunders, managing director of GlobalData Retail. The company needs new ownership to survive and Shein can provide that financial stability, he said.

Shein can establish a presence outside of fast fashion through Everlane, Saunders said, as growth within the industry becomes more difficult. Tariffs and other trade restrictions under the Trump administration have upended imports of the inexpensive clothing that dominates fast fashion.

But Everlane and Shein are an odd couple, Saunders noted.

Shein is unlikely to completely retool Everlane’s supply network, Saunders said, but even being associated with the Shein group may be “somewhat jarring for core Everlane customers. ”

“Ultimately, the deal likely saves Everlane,” he said. “But that salvation comes at a price.”

In March’s Spring Statement, the government’s independent forecaster, the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), forecast that the headroom Chancellor Rachel Reeves had against her rule not to borrow to fund day-to-day spending in five years’ time was £23.6bn. However, the OBR’s forecast was made before the Iran war began.

It also did not immediately specify which of those stores it was proposing to close, but said they were ones “whose performance has been challenged for a number of years and which are loss making, despite remedial action”. The affected stores are across the UK.