The Chinese fast fashion giant Shein is preparing to open its first British warehouse in preparation for a £50bn listing on the London Stock Exchange.

The Singapore-headquartered company is seeking a large site within the Midlands’ so-called “golden logistics triangle”.

It is targeting buildings measuring between 300,000 and 400,000 sq ft, although it is understood to be open to options as large as 600,000 sq ft.

Shein has dispatched a team of representatives to the UK to visit potential warehouses in the past few months, with around 10 viewings including sites in Derby, Daventry, Coventry and Castle Donington. It is understood to prefer a building that is already fitted out to handle ecommerce operations, rather than building its own site. 

Any decision on a warehouse will depend on the outcome of its efforts for a blockbuster debut in London’s stock market, as well as negotiations with its existing third-party provider, Super Smart Service, which handles the company’s UK orders from a Cannock warehouse. 

Shein has held talks with senior British politicians about its proposed listing, which would be the biggest float in London for a decade and could help to reinvigorate the flagging stock market.