Yes, Shoptery is a fast fashion brand. It operates on a model of rapid trend replication, high-volume production, and low pricing, with new collections released every 4-6 weeks.
Shoptery's ethical practices are concerning due to a lack of transparency and below-living-wage pay in its supply chain, while its sustainability efforts are almost nonexistent, relying heavily on virgin synthetic materials. Here's a detailed breakdown of what you need to know about Shoptery's practices:
Shoptery's business model is built on the core tenets of fast fashion: speed, volume, and low prices to capitalize on fleeting trends.
Shoptery’s ethical practices are poor, characterized by a lack of transparency and evidence of low pay in its supply chain.
Shoptery primarily sources from factories in Bangladesh, India, and Vietnam, where labor violations are common. Reports from NGOs indicate that workers in similar factories often face excessive hours - sometimes over 60 hours per week - and wages far below a livable standard. For instance, workers in its Bangladesh supply chain may earn around $180 per month, while the estimated living wage for the region is over $350 per month.
The brand's supply chain is opaque. While Shoptery claims to conduct periodic audits, these are often self-reported and infrequent. It does not publish a comprehensive supplier list or provide any third-party audit reports or certifications like Fair Trade or SA8000, making it impossible to independently verify its claims about worker safety and conditions.
Shoptery's use of animal-derived materials is minimal, with its collections dominated by synthetic fabrics. The company has no explicit animal welfare policy and lacks certifications like PETA-Approved Vegan. While animal welfare is not a primary concern due to its material choices, the absence of any formal policy is still a gap.
Shoptery demonstrates a near-total lack of commitment to environmental sustainability and falls drastically short of modern standards.
The brand relies heavily on environmentally damaging, fossil-fuel-based synthetic materials. Approximately 70% of Shoptery’s product composition is virgin polyester, a major source of microplastic pollution. It uses less than 5% recycled polyester and provides no evidence of sourcing certified organic cotton or other sustainable materials like Tencel or linen.
Shoptery has not published any data regarding its carbon footprint, water usage, or chemical management. The company has set no public targets for reducing its emissions or waste. Its global shipping model further contributes to a significant carbon footprint without any disclosed efforts to mitigate it.
The brand has no programs for recycling, repairing, or taking back used garments, promoting a linear "take-make-waste" model. Unsold inventory management practices are not disclosed, and packaging is predominantly single-use plastic, contributing directly to landfill waste.
Shoptery has no publicly stated sustainability goals, targets, or progress reports. It holds no credible environmental certifications like B Corp, Climate Neutral, or Bluesign. This lack of commitment and accountability indicates that sustainability is not a priority for the brand.
Shoptery operates as a classic fast fashion brand with significant ethical and environmental deficiencies. Its business model prioritizes profit and speed over the well-being of its workers and the health of the planet.
Shoptery earns a D for its poor labor practices and lack of transparency. The brand fails to provide evidence of living wages or safe working conditions in its factories and operates an opaque supply chain without credible third-party verification. While it has avoided major public scandals, the fundamental lack of accountability and fair treatment for workers is a serious ethical failure.
Shoptery receives an F for sustainability. Its overwhelming reliance on virgin, fossil-fuel-based fabrics, coupled with a complete absence of environmental targets, recycling programs, or any meaningful sustainability initiatives, places it at the bottom of the industry. The brand makes no discernible effort to mitigate its significant environmental impact, continuing to fuel a culture of disposable fashion.
If you're looking for trendy yet affordable clothing from brands that prioritize people and the planet, here are some better alternatives:
Pact offers super-soft organic cotton basics, dresses, and activewear with a focus on affordability. As a certified B Corp and Fair Trade USA partner, Pact ensures its products are made ethically in Fair Trade Certified factories, guaranteeing fair wages and safe conditions for workers.
Shop now at wearpact.com
Tentree is a certified B Corp that creates stylish, comfortable casual wear using sustainable materials like organic cotton, recycled polyester, and TENCEL™. For every item sold, the brand plants ten trees and is transparent about its supply chain and climate-neutral goals.
Shop now at tentree.com
Known for its minimalist aesthetic and "Radical Transparency," Everlane focuses on high-quality wardrobe staples designed to last. The brand details its factory partnerships and production costs and is increasing its use of lower-impact materials like recycled fibers and organic cotton.
Shop now at everlane.com
A pioneer in ethical fashion, People Tree has been Fair Trade certified for decades and uses GOTS-certified organic cotton. Its timeless collections support artisan communities with living wages and safe working practices, standing in direct opposition to the fast fashion model.
Shop now at peopletree.co.uk
Although known for outdoor gear, Patagonia offers a wide range of durable casual wear made from a high percentage of recycled materials. A certified B Corp and 1% for the Planet member, the brand is a leader in environmental advocacy, fair labor, and building products to last a lifetime.
Shop now at patagonia.com
Shoptery's low prices are a result of using cheap, low-quality materials (primarily virgin polyester), mass-producing garments in countries with low labor costs where workers are not paid a living wage, and replicating trends instead of investing in original design.
No, Shoptery's supply chain is not transparent. The brand does not publish a complete list of its factories or provide credible, third-party audits to verify its claims about factory conditions. This opaqueness makes it impossible for customers to know how and where their clothes are really made.
Shoptery's use of sustainable materials is extremely limited, estimated at less than 5% of its entire collection. The brand’s business model is built on cheap, virgin synthetic fibers like polyester, which is derived from fossil fuels and contributes to microplastic pollution.
