Asian fast fashion online retailer Shein will open its first brick-and-mortar store in November. It will be located in Paris in the BHV Marais department store, AFP reported today, citing a statement from the company. Five more stores are to follow in Galeries Laffayette department stores in Dijon, Reims, Grenoble, Angers, and Limoges.
Shein to open its first permanent brick-and-mortar store
The company has formed a partnership with the retail group Société des Grands Magasins (SGM), which owns BHV Marais and several Galeries Lafayette stores. The stores will offer a wide range of goods and create 200 jobs in France, both directly and indirectly. Shein has previously opened temporary pop-up stores in some cities, including Paris. However, it has never had a permanent brick-and-mortar store.
“By choosing France as the place to try brick-and-mortar retail, we are honoring its status as a key fashion capital and embracing its spirit of creativity and uniqueness,” said Shein CEO Donald Tang.
Shein faces criticism for its ultra-fast fashion practices
Shein was founded in China but is now based in Singapore. It built its empire on extremely cheap clothing, a wide range of products, and aggressive marketing. However, the company faces growing criticism over the environmental impact of mass production, working conditions, and alleged unfair competition practices—European brands accuse it of circumventing European Union regulations and abusing customs exemptions for low-value shipments. The company employs 16,000 people worldwide and had revenues of $23 billion in 2022.
Galeries Lafayette has expressed its disapproval of the opening of Shein stores in five department stores bearing its name, even though it no longer owns them. In a statement, it said it was fundamentally opposed to this move given the brand’s position and practices focused on ultra-fast fashion, which it believes are at odds with Galeries Lafayette’s offering and values.
Source: Reuters
