Inditex declares war on Shein and reopens Lefties in France More than 10 years after its closure in France, Zara’s outlet is making a strong comeback

The anti-Shein race in France continues to gain momentum, but this time, there’s no new anti-fast fashion decree passed or fine for fake discounts on the agenda. Today, it’s Inditex, another giant of ultra-fast fashion with more than 35 billion euros in revenue, that is stepping up against the Chinese powerhouse by bringing in a serious challenger: Lefties, Zara’s little sister brand, which specializes in selling unsold items at very low prices. Removed from the French fast fashion scene in 2012, this brand from the Spanish group is now making a big comeback for one clear reason: to take Shein’s place in France. Founded 25 years ago, Lefties and its stores across 18 countries quickly became a key player in low-cost fashion and a major rival of Shein. Two decades later, and after the closure of its two French stores in 2012, the outlet is returning in a new light, with a new logo, new products, and above all, a new omnichannel approach.

As for the price range, it revolves around €10 for dresses and €13 for jeans, positioning Lefties as a serious competitor and a strong alternative to Zara, which continues to raise its prices. Riding this wave, Inditex doesn’t intend to stop with Lefties and has announced its plans to expand its other brands too, with new international openings, including Bershka in Denmark, Stradivarius in Austria, Oysho in the Netherlands, and Zara Man in the United States. Inditex seems determined to go all out to counter fast fashion rivals with a well-planned strategy and impeccable timing. While the luxury industry is still going through a crisis with no end in sight, fast fashion is becoming increasingly dominant and threatening. In this landscape, Lefties—with its unbeatable prices and sustainable angle—could very well win the race in fast fashion.