Angry French fashion lovers react strongly as retailer Shein opens its first physical store in Paris, saying it contradicts their values.

Shein’s Paris Store Opening Sparks Outrage

Fast-fashion giant Shein is set to launch its first physical store in Paris on November 1, but this move has ignited anger among local fashion enthusiasts who believe it threatens the city’s chic reputation.

The store will be situated on the sixth floor of the historic BHV Marais department store, often praised as one of Paris’s iconic shopping destinations.

The decision to welcome such a controversial brand has been perceived as a betrayal by some, resulting in BHV being expelled from France’s department store association.

Shoppers aren’t the only ones voicing discontent; politicians have also expressed their disapproval of these brick-and-mortar establishments. Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo stated that the city opposes Shein’s presence, labeling it a symbol of fast fashion.

Last week, workers at BHV staged a protest, temporarily abandoning their registers to rally outside the store, where they waved union flags and listened to speeches from union representatives and city officials.

A protestor named Valerie noted that the department store had previously committed itself to sustainable practices, emphasizing support for French-made products and craftsmanship.

Critics of Shein point to the brand’s labor practices and environmental issues, arguing that it clashes with the values they’ve always championed. An employee remarked, “We’ve always been a beautiful store with beautiful brands.”

A Change.org petition has gathered over 105,000 signatures urging the halt of Shein’s store opening in BHV.

In reaction to this controversy, several brands, including organic skincare lines and lingerie labels, announced they would withdraw their products from the department store.

Mathilde Lacombe, president of Aime, emphasized the significance of collective choices in shaping the industry’s future.

Fashion editor Dana Thomas described the uproar as stemming from Shein’s role in ultra-fast fashion, likening it to “fast-fashion junk food.”

Shein’s expansion into brick-and-mortar comes on the heels of France instituting a €10 charge on each item bought online, a cost that can be sidestepped by physical store purchases. Additionally, the company was fined €40 million for unfair advertising practices earlier this year.

Bloomberg reports that Shein plans to open stores in several other French cities, including Dijon and Grenoble.

In defense of the new store, Shein’s executive chairman Donald Tan described the opening as a tribute to France’s fashion heritage, showcasing the brand’s commitment to embracing its cultural significance.