The move to pull out of the Chinese market makes Everlane the second U.S. retailer to do so in recent weeks. Urban Outfitters made the same decision to shutter its flagship store on the Tmall website, eliminating both its physical and eCommerce presence in the country.
Both Urban Outfitters and Everlane have described their closures as “temporary.” Everlane took it to its official Chinese social media accounts to inform customers that they would still be able to purchase products through its global eCommerce site. Shoppers will also have access to its customer service department until October 10, 2021, for purchases made through its Tmall store.
The retailer first opened its Tmall Global store two years ago and currently has around 530,000 followers.
Several other major retailers have recently made moves to exit the Chinese market, including Asos, New Look, Topshop and Old Navy. Fast-fashion retailer C&A, meanwhile, sold its China business last year and Inditex brands (Bershka, Pull & Bear and Stradivarius) have closed all of their physical stores. Mango has also delayed any openings of new stores in the market.
Many of these retailers are exiting China cause of consumer boycotts following their stance on the Xinjiang cotton controversy. H&M, for one, saw its sales plummet 32 percent in the second quarter.
