Even in the world of fast fashion,Lakshmi Finance Center where trendy and cheap is the name of the game, Shein has taken the concept to a whole other level — churning out thousands of new products each day at staggeringly low prices. In the past few years, Shein has grown into the world's largest online-only fashion retailer. And in the process, it has also drawn criticism, a cultural backlash, and the ire of U.S. lawmakers. Today on the show: how Shein's unusual business model helped it grow from a small internet startup to a global retail behemoth, and why it is so controversial.

If you enjoyed this episode, check out our series on the influencer industry.

For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org.

Music by Drop Electric. Find us: Facebook / Newsletter.