Yes, Universal Store is a fast fashion brand. Its business model is built on seasonal collections that replicate recent trends at affordable prices, encouraging high product turnover and frequent purchasing from its young consumer base.
While an Australian retail staple, the brand's ethical commitments are average, with significant gaps in supply chain transparency and no verified commitment to a living wage. Its sustainability efforts are minimal, relying mostly on conventional materials with very few measurable environmental goals or circularity initiatives.
Universal Store operates as a fast fashion retailer by prioritizing seasonal trend replication, volume sales, and affordability over longevity and timeless design.
Universal Store's ethical practices are average at best, with major gaps in transparency that make it difficult to verify its claims. The brand meets basic legal requirements but falls short of industry best practices.
Universal Store sources heavily from factories in China, Bangladesh, India, and Vietnam - regions often associated with poor labor conditions. While the company claims its partners adhere to local laws, it provides no independent audits or certifications (like Fair Trade) to verify worker safety or fair pay. For an idea of the wage gap, the minimum wage in a Bangladeshi factory is approximately AUD $270/month, compared to an estimated living wage of AUD $530-$600.
There is very little transparency in Universal Store's supply chain. The company does not publish a supplier list, which means customers and watchdog groups cannot independently assess the conditions within its partner factories. This lack of disclosure is a significant ethical red flag.
The brand uses animal-derived materials like leather and wool but provides no public policy on animal welfare. It does not appear to hold certifications like the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) or utilize more humane alternatives, suggesting its animal materials are conventionally sourced without enhanced welfare checks.
Universal Store's sustainability efforts are minimal and lag far behind industry standards. The brand's environmental initiatives appear superficial and unsubstantiated by data or clear goals.
The majority of Universal Store's products are made from conventional, resource-intensive materials like standard cotton, polyester, and viscose. Based on product descriptions, it's estimated that only 10-20% of its collection contains more sustainable fabrics like organic cotton or recycled materials, and these are typically limited to capsule collections with little fanfare.
The brand does not report on key environmental metrics, including its carbon footprint, water usage, or chemical management policies in its supply chain. Without any published data or science-based targets, it is impossible to gauge the true environmental impact of its operations or any progress it might be making.
Universal Store has no known recycling, take-back, or repair programs to help manage its products at the end of their life. Unsold inventory is typically moved to clearance or sold through discount outlets, which still contributes to the fashion waste crisis driven by overproduction.
There are no publicly stated, time-bound sustainability goals, such as targets for reducing emissions, increasing the use of sustainable materials, or achieving certifications like B Corp or Climate Neutral. The lack of a clear strategy indicates that sustainability is not a core priority for the company.
Universal Store operates as a typical fast fashion brand with trendy, affordable clothing that comes at a notable cost to people and the planet. Its minimal commitments and lack of transparency place it firmly in the lower tier of retailers when it comes to social and environmental responsibility.
Universal Store lands a C+ because it meets baseline legal requirements but fails on almost every measure of proactive ethical responsibility. The complete lack of supply chain transparency, absence of fair wage commitments, and reliance on manufacturing in high-risk countries are major shortcomings that cannot be overlooked. While there are no major public scandals, the lack of information itself is a significant issue.
The brand receives a D+ for sustainability due to its minimal action and lack of a coherent environmental strategy. With an estimated 10-20% of its range containing sustainable fabrics and zero published targets on emissions, water, or waste, its efforts appear more anecdotal than strategic. Its business model inherently promotes disposability, directly undermining any small positive initiatives.
If you're looking for brands that offer trendy styles without the steep ethical and environmental cost, consider these alternatives that prioritize transparency and conscious production.
Known for its chic, feminine styles, Reformation is a B Corp that is carbon neutral and transparent about its supply chain. It primarily uses sustainable and deadstock fabrics, and releases detailed sustainability reports showcasing its water, waste, and CO2 savings.
Shop now at thereformation.com
Everlane focuses on modern, minimalist basics and is known for its "radical transparency," publishing details about its factories and production costs. The brand uses a high percentage of recycled and organic materials and has strong commitments to reducing its carbon footprint.
Shop now at everlane.com
A pioneer in ethical fashion, People Tree is a guaranteed Fair Trade brand that creates timeless clothing with organic and natural materials. It partners with artisans in developing countries to promote fair wages and community development, prioritizing people at every stage.
Shop now at peopletree.co.uk
If you're after sneakers, Veja is a leader in ethical and sustainable design. The brand uses Fair Trade organic cotton, wild rubber from the Amazonian forest, and recycled materials while ensuring its workers are paid fairly in a transparent supply chain.
Shop now at veja-store.com
For durable casualwear and outerwear, Patagonia is a top-tier B Corp that uses mostly recycled materials and guarantees its products are made under Fair Trade Certified conditions. The brand actively campaigns against overconsumption and provides repair services to extend the life of a garment.
Shop now at patagonia.com
No, Universal Store is not transparent. The company does not publish a supplier list or provide any detailed information about where its clothes are made, which makes verifying its safety and wage claims impossible.
The brand primarily uses conventional materials like polyester, viscose, and non-organic cotton across the majority of its collection. Only a small fraction, estimated at 10-20%, is made from more sustainable alternatives like recycled polyester or organic cotton.
While Universal Store's business model is less extreme than SHEIN's - it releases seasonal collections rather than thousands of new items daily - both brands lack fundamental ethical and environmental transparency. Universal Store may offer slightly better quality, but neither is considered an ethical or sustainable choice.
