Chinese company called Zara's 'biggest problem' is opening its first-ever store in Paris, and the French city is not happy

Chinese fast-fashion giant Shein is opening its first physical boutique in Paris on November 1, sparking widespread protests and unified opposition from French politicians, fashion industry leaders, and department store employees who view the move as an assault on French fashion values and labor standards.The 1,000-square-meter store will occupy the coveted sixth floor of the iconic BHV Marais department store, offering sweeping views toward the Eiffel Tower. Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo denounced the opening, declaring on LinkedIn that "Paris denounces the establishment of Shein, a symbol of fast fashion, at BHV Marais," according to The New York Times. An online petition calling for Shein to be barred from the location has gathered nearly 100,000 signatures in a week.

Department store workers walk out in protest

On Friday, BHV Marais employees abandoned their cash registers to protest outside the historic 19th-century building. Workers cited concerns about cheap labor practices and environmental violations, with one employee telling the NYT: "Shein goes against our beliefs. We have always been a beautiful store with beautiful brands, and we try to promote corporate social responsibility."Bloomberg reports that Shein plans to expand beyond Paris, opening stores in five other French cities—Dijon, Reims, Grenoble, Angers, and Limoges—all within locations bearing the Galeries Lafayette name.

The original Galeries Lafayette has distanced itself from the deal, stating it doesn't share Shein's "values" and claiming the move violates contractual obligations.

France targets fast fashion with new legislation

The controversy has accelerated French legislative efforts to curb Chinese fast-fashion retailers. In September, the French Senate passed measures that would impose taxes of up to €10 per garment purchased from platforms like Shein and Temu, ban their advertisements in France, and require environmental impact reporting.

France's antitrust watchdog also fined Shein €40 million in July for misleading advertising practices.Shein executive chairman Donald Tang defended the expansion, stating the company is "honoring" France's position as a fashion capital. However, several French specialty brands including Aime, Talm, and Le Slip Francais are leaving BHV Marais in protest.