Following criticism: Paris store to part ways with Shein after ownership change - RTL Today

Following criticism Paris store to part ways with Shein after ownership change AFP Update: 16.06.2026 19:49 Shein has faced criticism over working conditions at its suppliers and the environmental impact of its ultra-fast-fashion business model © AFP/File French department store BHV Marais will end its partnership with Shein after its operating company said Tuesday it was selling the Paris outlet, following criticism of its deal with the Asian e-commerce giant. The announcement comes after Shein in November opened its first permanent physical shop in BHV's flagship store, a move that sparked outcry over the brand's fast-fashion business model and environmental impact, as well as its online sale of childlike sex dolls. SGM, which has operated the landmark store opposite Paris City Hall since 2023, has sold it at a loss to a group of executives, including outgoing SGM CEO Karl-Stephane Cottendin, the two parties told reporters. Cottendin, who will step down as SGM's chief executive following the deal, said Shein would "ideally" leave the store by Christmas, describing the decision to allow the retailer to open in BHV as a "strategic error". A second BHV store west of Paris will also come under new management, while SGM will retain control of seven other locations, five of which have welcomed Shein this year. Contractual commitments with Shein at the non-Paris stores will be "honoured" pending a "long-term" review, SGM director Frederic Merlin said. Merlin acknowledged having made "mistakes", adding that the sale of BHV was a "genuine plan for an effective takeover by serious people". A Shein spokesman said the company respected BHV's decision. But he expressed regret that the "experimental collaboration" took place in the context of "important pre-existing problems" at the Paris site that saw "clients forced to contend with renovation work being carried out on several floors of the store". - Shein under scrutiny - The announcement comes seven months after Asian e-commerce giant Shein opened a shop inside Paris's landmark BHV department store © AFP/File Founded in China in 2012 and now based in Singapore, Shein has faced criticism in several countries over working conditions at its suppliers and the environmental impact of its ultra-fast-fashion business model. The retailer came under renewed scrutiny in November after French authorities condemned it for featuring sex dolls resembling children on its website. Following the uproar over the sex dolls, Shein said it immediately removed the products from its marketplace -- the section of its website selling third-party products -- and banned sex dolls from its site globally. Around 100 brands left the BHV Marais following Shein's arrival, with management saying it was either over opposition to the Asian brand or over unpaid invoices linked to IT systems. Earlier this month, France said it imposed two fines on Shein totalling more than 22 million euros ($26 million), citing problems with product traceability, environmental labelling and delivery times. The penalties bring the total fines imposed by France against the Asian fashion giant to more than 210 million euros. ac/ekf/ah/rmb Most read Four times a week Etihad Airways to launch Luxembourg-Abu Dhabi flights from October Video Pictures 0 Opening hours Petrol stations face earlier closures under new Luxembourg law 0 Morning Roundup New Abu Dhabi flights, Ukraine accession talks begin, and Cape Verde holds Spain World Cup sensation Sea of blue takes over Ettelbruck following Cape Verde draw Video Pictures 0 Foreign affairs Bettel laments 'political pandemonium' over EU response to Israel Video 3 More News Russian warship fires 'warning shots' at UK yacht in Channel 'Powerful document' Iran and US to embark on two months of peace talks Friday Surging SpaceX overtakes Amazon to become 5th biggest company Canada government sued over climate inaction Straight sets defeat Serena Williams defeated in Berlin ahead of Wimbledon return Wildcard 'Mom, play with Venus': Serena says daughter inspired Wimbledon return Back to Top Subscribe to our newsletter Ok Do you want to advertise on today.lu? 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