France Suspends Shein Website Amid Protests As First Store Opens In Paris

Shein’s grand Paris debut has turned into a full-blown political storm. As the Chinese-founded fast-fashion brand opened its first-ever physical store in the heart of the French capital, the French government announced it would suspend Shein’s website a dramatic move that underscores the growing backlash against the retailer’s practices.

A Controversial Debut In The City Of Fashion

It was meant to be a celebration of Shein’s growing empire: a sleek, modern space on the sixth floor of the historic BHV department store in Paris. Instead, the opening on Wednesday unfolded under tight police presence, with riot police and metal barriers keeping protesters at bay.

While hundreds of eager shoppers queued outside, drawn by Shein’s famously low prices, critics were equally vocal. Activists waved “Shein, No Thanks” banners and accused the retailer of everything from labour exploitation to environmental harm. “We’re protecting a brand that profits from exploitation while survivors of abuse are silenced,” said Caroline Di Ruzza from the children’s rights group Mouv’Enfants.

Government Crackdown Over Outrageous Listings

The uproar didn’t stop at fashion ethics. Days before the Paris launch, French authorities discovered that Shein’s online marketplace had been selling childlike sex dolls triggering outrage across political lines. The government quickly moved to suspend the platform “until Shein proves compliance with French laws,” according to an official statement.

Other e-commerce platforms, including AliExpress, Temu and Wish, were also pulled into the investigation, highlighting a wider concern about unregulated digital marketplaces.

In response, Shein said it had immediately banned all sex doll sales and would “fully cooperate” with French authorities. It also announced it would temporarily suspend third-party sellers in France while reviewing its content policies.

A Divided Public Reaction

Inside BHV, the atmosphere told a different story. Shoppers of all ages from university students to families browsed racks of trendy outfits. “I never thought I’d shop at BHV,” said Mohamed Joullanar, a Moroccan master’s student. “It’s usually for luxury buyers. But thanks to Shein, it feels more accessible.”

For others, the opening symbolised a worrying shift in consumer priorities. Paris, long known as the home of haute couture, now hosts a brand synonymous with ultra-fast fashion and disposable trends. As one Parisian designer wrote on social media: “Shein opening in BHV is like putting a fast-food stand inside a Michelin-star restaurant.”

Legal And Moral Consequences

The controversy deepened when prosecutors confirmed that a man in southern France, previously convicted of sexual assault, had been arrested for ordering a childlike sex doll from China though not from Shein. The revelation intensified public outrage and strengthened calls for stricter online content regulation.

Meanwhile, BHV director Frédéric Merlin defended the partnership, acknowledging the uproar but arguing that Shein’s massive following 25 million French customers could boost foot traffic. “I considered cancelling, but Shein represents a reality of modern retail,” he said on local TV.

A Brand Under Fire

Founded in China in 2012 and now headquartered in Singapore, Shein has faced global criticism over its environmental footprint, alleged use of forced labour, and aggressive expansion into traditional retail spaces. France’s decision to suspend its website marks one of the most significant government interventions yet against the fast-fashion powerhouse.

Despite the chaos, Shein shows no signs of slowing down with plans to open five more stores in cities like Dijon, Grenoble, and Reims. But as France takes a stand, the brand’s glossy European ambitions now come with a serious question: can Shein still win over shoppers in a country where fashion and ethics have always gone hand in hand?

{Source:EWN}

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com