Outrage in Paris as Shein prepares to open its first permanent store

"The online fast-fashion retailer Shein will open its first permanent, bricks-and-mortar store in the world in Paris this week, amid political outrage, fury from workers and warnings from city hall that it will damage the French capital's progressive image. The Singapore-based clothing company, which was founded in China, has built a massive online business despite criticism over its factory working conditions and the environmental impact of low-cost, throwaway fashion."

"Shein, which has previously trialled temporary pop-up stores, will on Wednesday open a permanent shop on the sixth floor of Paris's prestigious BHV department store, a historic building that has stood opposite Paris's city hall since 1856. There are about 23 million Shein customers in France, one of its biggest European markets. But with vast banners for Shein draped across the building, the brand's arrival has sparked outrage over the promotion of fast fashion."

"The office of the French minister for small businesses said Shein's Paris presence sent a bad signal that should be avoided. Several leading independent French fashion brands have pulled their products from the BHV store in protest. There would be no sense being sold in the same shop as Shein, Guillaume Alcan, a co-founder of the French ethical footwear brand Odaje, told Le Monde."

Shein will open its first permanent bricks-and-mortar store in Paris on the sixth floor of the BHV department store. The Singapore-based company, founded in China, has grown a massive online business despite criticism over factory working conditions and environmental harm from low-cost, throwaway fashion. About 23 million customers in France make it one of Shein’s biggest European markets. Vast banners across the BHV building have provoked political outrage, staff strikes, and street protests. Several independent French fashion brands and partners, including Disneyland Paris and a state-owned bank, withdrew collaborations or talks, and city hall warned of reputational damage.

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