A TV sales consultancy known as “Mary the Queen of Shops” has called on the government to block Sheen’s proposed London Stock Exchange listing.
Mary Portas, who conducted a review of UK high streets for David Cameron’s coalition government, spoke as an online petition from the Say No to Shane campaign neared its target of 35,000 signatures.
The China-based fast-fashion company is expected to seek a valuation of £50bn in an initial public offering (IPO) later this summer or early autumn.
The prospect of a London listing emerged after it was rejected in the United States, where Chinese companies generally face a hostile reception because of their alleged links to the state.
Sky News revealed in early June that the company was about to submit a prospectus to the Financial Conduct Authority, and it was later said to have taken the step, according to Reuters.
Sheen’s critics say the UK government should block the application until it has completed a full investigation into the company’s labour practices, environmental impact and tax arrangements.
It has also faced claims of copying branded products to sell at discounted prices.
“Why would we as a country consider incubating a company like Sheen on the London Stock Exchange?” Ms Portas said.
“This is a company with allegations of unethical business practices, modern slavery, and violations of labor laws. Surely we are better than this?
Last month, a separate UK-based group called Stop the Uyghur Genocide launched a legal challenge to block any Shein IPO in London.
The company has not yet commented on the petition, but has previously said it is committed to respecting human rights and has a zero-tolerance policy toward forced labor.
Sheen executives met with Conservative and Labour politicians in the run-up to the general election.
The Labour Party has previously indicated its conditional support for Shein’s IPO, but said it should be regulated in the UK.
The company’s current base is Singapore.
The UK government, like its Conservative predecessor, is keen to boost the UK’s attractiveness as a place to do business after other major financial services destinations such as New York benefited from new business following Brexit.
“Creator. Devoted pop culture specialist. Certified web fanatic. Unapologetic coffee lover.”