France protests Shein’s new store in Paris

Shein’s plan to open a flagship store atop Paris’s BHV Marais department store in November has ignited fierce backlash across France.

The opening will mark the Chinese fast-fashion giant’s first permanent retail space in the country, and several shoppers, brands, and labor unions are not happy about it.

French brands, including Aime and Le Slip Francais, have announced plans to leave BHV Marais in protest. An online petition opposing the store gained nearly 100,000 signatures within a week.

Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo denounced Shein’s arrival, saying it is “contrary to the ecological and social ambitions of Paris, which supports responsible and sustainable local commerce.”

Shein already faces a $176 million fine in France for illegally collecting user data. The nation is also preparing legislation to tax and restrict fast-fashion companies like Shein and Temu over environmental concerns.

Despite mounting criticism, Shein pledges to adapt to European standards through its partnership with the Societe des Grands Magasins (SGM), which operates BHV Marais.

The backlash has already caused France’s state-owned bank to withdraw funding for SGM’s property deal to buy the BHV departmental store building.