The meteoric rise of Shein, a global ultra-fast fashion e-commerce powerhouse, has profoundly reshaped the economic and urban dynamics of several districts on the outskirts of Guangzhou, southern China’s largest city. These neighborhoods, now informally dubbed “Shein villages,” exemplify how digital retail giants can mold local economies and urban development. Through a finely-tuned supply chain and agile manufacturing, Shein has become a prime example of the digital apparel industry’s evolution.