France investigates Shein over sex dolls as it opens first store in world in Paris
2 hours ago Share Save Osmond Chia, Business reporter and Paul Kirby, Europe digital editor Share Save
Getty Images Shein is due to open its first permanent outlet in Paris on Wednesday
Asian online giant Shein along with Temu, AliExpress and Wish are being investigated by Paris prosecutors after France's consumer watchdog said it childlike sex dolls had been found on Shein's platform. Shein promised to co-operate fully with authorities as the company prepared to open its first physical store on Wednesday, on the sixth floor of Paris department store BHV. BHV's decision to house the fast-fashion giant has angered rival clothing brands and a number have said they will leave the prestigious department store in protest. Fashion designer Agnès B said she would close her concession in BHV when her contract ended in January.
"I'm completely against this fast-fashion... there are jobs under threat, it's very bad," she told French radio. Shein spokesman Quentin Ruffat promised to provide information on sellers, buyers and products involved in selling the childlike sex dolls on its site. AliExpress told the BBC it takes the matter very seriously. Temu and Wish have also been contacted for comment. Shein has become best known for its discounted and trendy clothes, but has drawn criticism over its environmental impact and working conditions. Protesters gathered outside the BHV store ahead of Shein's opening there, and Frédéric Merlin, whose SGM company runs BHV, has admitted that he considered ending the department store's partnership with the retailer. However, he said Shein's response had "convinced me to continue" and he expressed confidence in the products it was going to sell in his store. "The clothes we're going to sell do not exploit workers or children," he told French radio.
JULIE SEBADELHA/AFP Shein has a very large market in France and the BHV store has more than 150 years of history in Paris