Shein to Open Controversial First Permanent Store at Paris' BHV Amid Strong Opposition

Shein, the Chinese-founded fast fashion giant, is set to inaugurate its first permanent physical store in Paris at the Bazar de l'Hôtel de Ville (BHV) on November 5, 2025. Despite intense controversy and widespread opposition from the French government, Paris City Hall, partner brands, and over 110,000 petition signatories, the 1,000 square meter store on BHV's sixth floor will showcase Shein's well-known low-cost clothing. This marks Shein's first brick-and-mortar presence in France and is described as a "world first" by Frédéric Merlin, CEO of Société des Grands Magasins, which owns BHV.

The brand has faced significant challenges in France this year, having been fined a total of 191 million euros for violations including non-compliance with online cookie regulations, misleading product promotions, and failure to disclose microplastics in its goods. Further criticisms target Shein's environmental impact, alleged labor exploitation due to its Chinese manufacturing base, and accusations from the European textile industry regarding unfair competition. The latter points to Shein's circumvention of European environmental and social standards, and advantages gained through customs exemptions on small parcels.

Looking ahead, Shein plans to expand its French physical retail footprint by opening five additional stores within Galeries Lafayette locations in cities including Dijon, Reims, Grenoble, Angers, and Limoges. Founded in 2012 and now based in Singapore, Shein reported revenue of $23 billion (approximately 20 billion euros) in 2022 and employs 16,000 people worldwide.

Despite the backlash and ongoing legal issues, the company remains committed to establishing a stronger physical retail presence in France, challenging the traditional European textile market and sparking debate on fast fashion's societal and environmental consequences in the country.