Massive Employee Strike Against Shein's Entry at BHV Marais Sparks Tensions in Paris

On October 10, 2025, about 150 employees staged a protest outside the BHV Marais department store in Paris, opposing the upcoming installation of the online fashion retailer Shein on the store’s sixth floor. This three-hour strike was orchestrated by an inter-union coalition comprising CFDT, CFTC, CFE-CGC, CGT, and SUD Solidaires, coinciding with the launch of 'BHV Week,' a promotional event running until October 19. The unions voiced strong concerns that Shein’s arrival — planned for November — threatens the very survival of BHV, citing deteriorating working conditions and job security fears. Tensions have escalated following SGM’s acquisition of BHV from Galeries Lafayette in 2023, which resulted in over 300 job cuts and unpaid debts causing supplier withdrawals.

SGM’s president, Frédéric Merlin, was criticized by unions for downplaying employee worries, while SGM defended the Shein partnership, claiming it would benefit both the store and its workforce and vowed to maintain dialogue with staff. Nicolas Bonnet-Oulaldj, Paris's commerce deputy, supported the strike, opposing Shein due to its controversial environmental and labor practices. Recently, the Banque des territoires pulled out of negotiations for SGM’s building acquisition over loss of trust, though SGM maintains it has other committed partners. Shein also plans to open in five other provincial Galeries Lafayette stores, facing similar union resistance.

The situation highlights ongoing unrest in the Paris retail sector amid concerns about foreign fast fashion's impact on traditional stores and workers’ rights (Source: 95245).