Shein, the clothing company that has built a massive reputation online for fast fashion, opened its first physical store in Paris on Wednesday. But not without controversy.
The French Finance Ministry announced shortly afterward that it was moving to suspend Shein’s online platform until it complies with French laws and regulations.
Days earlier, Shein came under fire from French authorities for listing a “childlike” sex doll for sale.
“On the Prime Minister’s instructions, the government is initiating proceedings to suspend Shein for as long as necessary for the platform to demonstrate to the authorities that all of its content is finally in compliance with our laws and regulations,” the ministry said in a statement.
“An initial review will be conducted by ministers within the next 48 hours.”
Shein removes third-party listings in France
Shein said in a statement it was temporarily suspending listings by third-party sellers in France — a move the the company said it planned before the finance ministry’s statement.
“We acknowledge the announcement made today by the government. The safety of our customers and the integrity of our marketplace [a platform for third-party sellers] are our top priorities,” the company said.
The company said it wished “to engage in dialogue with French authorities as soon as possible.”
Why is Shein under scrutiny?
The company, that was founded in China, but is now based out of Singapore, has come under criticism for poor environmental, labor and human rights practices.
Earlier this week, the French consumer watchdog flagged the listing of “childlike” sex dolls for sale on Shein’s website. It said the product descriptions and categorization left little doubt as to their child-like pornographic nature of the sex dolls.
French Economy Minister Robert Lescure said at the time that “boundaries have been crossed” and authorities launched an investigation.
In response Shein said it was banning all sex dolls from its website and was temporarily removing its adult products category as it reviews procedures.
The company is set to be questioned by lawmakers on the issue within two weeks, with the French economy minister having said earlier this week he would seek to ban Shein’s online store in France if such incidents were to occur again.
Protests outside Shein store in Paris
Shein set up shop in one of the city’s most iconic department stores, BHV Marais department store, that also sits right across from Paris City Hall.
The company has been a hit online but its move to a brick-and-mortar store to expand sales in the heart of the world’s fashion capital has not sat well with politicians and retailers alike.
Labor groups and retailers condemned the opening of the Paris store because they denounced the incursion of a low-cost Chinese company into France, BMFTV reported.
Some BHV employees protested against the opening of the store last week as well. Several dozen protesters camped outside the BHV store ahead of Wednesday’s opening.
An online petition opposing the Paris store opening, for example, has also surpassed 120,000 signatures.
Many queue to enter Shein’s first physical store
But similarly there were people lined up before the store as well, with customers saying they relied on clothes that weren’t so expensive.
The head of the BHV store said he was catering to people who were reliant on clothes they could afford to buy, according to French broadcaster BMFTV.
Edited by: Zac Crellin
