Shein has opened its first-ever physical store worldwide in Paris under the watch of riot police, as the French government announced it was suspending the Asian e-commerce giant’s online platform following public outrage over the sale of childlike sex dolls
Hundreds of shoppers poured into Shein’s first permanent physical shop on the sixth floor of the BHV department store, an iconic Parisian landmark that has stood opposite the Hôtel de Ville since 1856.
Police patrolled the surrounding streets and erected barriers to prevent nearby demonstrators from approaching those queuing to enter.
Shortly after the store’s opening, the French government stated that it was suspending Shein’s online platform until the company complies with French legislation.
Despite widespread indignation in the world’s fashion capital over the Asian retailer’s fast-fashion business model and its environmental footprint, the first eager customers queued for hours outside the prestigious department store.
Shein reported to French justice over sale of 'childlike' sex dolls
Among the crowd — a mix of older couples, young mothers and trendy twenty-somethings — some said they had come out of curiosity, while others cited the brand’s affordability.
“Times have changed, generations have changed,” said Mohamed Joullanar, 30, who already shops online with Shein.
“I’d never thought of going to BHV before,” the Moroccan master’s student told AFP. “I always thought it was for expensive, luxury products. But now, thanks to Shein, I’m here.”
‘No thanks’
Nearby, children’s rights activists staged a demonstration.
“We protect Shein and the culture of crimes against children, while survivors of childhood sexual violence holding their signs are pushed aside,” said protester Caroline Di Ruzza from Mouv’Enfants, an organisation for the protection of children.
Left-wing political groups delivered speeches and handed out leaflets, including one condemning “suspected forced labour” and “pollution”, and urging passers-by to sign a petition against Shein’s presence in the Paris department store.
Across the street, a banner critical of the brand was displayed atop City Hall, below the window of Green politician and Paris mayoral candidate David Belliard.
“Shein, no thanks,” it read.
Founded in China in 2012 and now headquartered in Singapore, Shein has long faced accusations over poor working conditions in its supply chain and the environmental toll of its ultra-fast fashion model. Its expansion into France has met with resistance from politicians, trade unions and leading fashion houses alike.
Shein opens first store in Paris as scandal and criticism mount
Just days before the planned opening, a fresh controversy erupted when the sale of childlike sex dolls on Shein’s platform was uncovered.
The revelation provoked a political storm and prompted prosecutors to launch a judicial investigation not only into Shein but also into rival e-commerce sites AliExpress, Temu and Wish over the sale of such dolls.
On Wednesday, the French government announced that it would suspend Shein’s website in France “for as long as necessary for the platform to demonstrate to public authorities that all of its content is finally in compliance with our laws and regulations.”
The fast-fashion giant said it sought “constructive dialogue” with the French authorities and separately announced the suspension of products from third-party sellers in France.
Shein opens first store in Paris as scandal and criticism mount
Man arrested over childlike doll
In a further development, prosecutors confirmed that a man previously convicted of sexual assault had been arrested in southern France after ordering a childlike sex doll from China.
The parcel in question did not originate from Shein, prosecutor Jean-Luc Blachon told AFP.
The man, who was taken into custody, had earlier been convicted of sexual assault and “admitted to having ordered the doll for sexual purposes,” the prosecutor’s office said.
Shein has pledged to “fully cooperate” with French judicial authorities in the ongoing investigation and has announced a total ban on the sale of all sex dolls.
Frédéric Merlin, the 34-year-old head of the SGM company that operates BHV, said he had considered ending the partnership with Shein amid the backlash but ultimately decided against it.
“Shein has 25 million customers in France,” Merlin told BFMTV/RMC on Wednesday.
Merlin, who hopes the Asian retail giant will help boost footfall at his department store, appeared at the entrance shortly before the official opening.
Shein also plans to open five additional shops in other French cities, including Dijon, Grenoble and Reims.
