Shein's First Paris Store Opens Amid Major Protests

Fast Fashion Giant Faces Parisian Backlash

The opening of Shein's first permanent physical store in Paris has been met with significant protests and controversy. The Chinese fast fashion giant, known for its ultra-cheap clothing, opened its doors at the Bazar de l'Hôtel de Ville (BHV) Marais department store on Rue de Rivoli, but not without facing strong opposition from environmental activists, fashion industry professionals, and local residents.

'Shame on you!' shouted one woman at customers waiting in line before the store's 1:00 PM opening, capturing the tense atmosphere surrounding the event. Dozens of protesters gathered nearby with signs reading 'T-shirt for 3 euros: the planet in shreds!' and 'Shein destroys everything - prices, our industry and health.'

Widespread Opposition

The protest movement against Shein's Paris expansion has been building for months. An online petition titled 'Paris deserves better than Shein' has gathered over 120,000 signatures, stating that the store 'represents more than just a shop: it symbolizes a model that destroys employment, climate and quality.'

Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo expressed her disapproval on LinkedIn, stating that Shein's arrival 'is in total contradiction with the ecological and ethical ambitions of the city.' The controversy comes at a time when Shein faces multiple challenges, including recent criticism over selling child sex dolls and ongoing investigations by French authorities.

Labor and Environmental Concerns

Shein, which became the world's largest online clothing retailer with approximately €35 billion in revenue in 2024, has faced years of criticism regarding its business practices. The company has been accused of misleading consumers with fake countdown clocks and reviews, poor labor conditions in Chinese factories, and environmental damage from overproduction.

Protesters distributed red flyers highlighting 'suspected forced labor' and 'overproduction' concerns. The company has also faced lawsuits from fashion chains accusing it of copying their designs and warnings from consumer organizations about toxic substances found in clothing and toys.

Store Details and Security Measures

The new Shein store occupies nearly the entire sixth floor of the iconic BHV department store, covering 1,200 square meters in one of Paris's most prominent locations near City Hall. According to Le Parisien newspaper, dozens of police officers were deployed around the store since early morning to prevent potential disturbances.

The opening has caused internal conflict at BHV, with unions and staff protesting that Shein's presence contradicts the department store's values of sustainability, French production, and local brands. Several brands, including Aime, Figaret Paris, Le Slip Français, and Odaje, withdrew from BHV in protest against Shein's arrival.

Future Expansion Plans

Despite the controversy, Shein plans to open five additional stores in Galeries Lafayette department stores in Dijon, Reims, Grenoble, Angers, and Limoges during November. A Shein France spokesperson told France24 that the expansion will create 200 additional jobs and aims to show that 'a model that exists completely online can also function physically.'

The company is promoting the stores with posters in Paris metro stations offering vouchers that customers can spend at other brands within BHV. Shein claims its arrival will 'breathe new life into shopping centers in France,' but critics argue the true cost of fast fashion extends far beyond the price tags in its stores.