Shein opens first store in Paris overshadowed by French sex-doll inquiry

Shein opens first store in Paris overshadowed by French sex-doll inquiry

4 hours ago Share Save Osmond Chia, Business reporter and Paul Kirby, Europe digital editor Share Save

DIMITAR DILKOFF/POOL/AFP While the BHV department store celebrated the opening of Shein, there were protests outside

Asian online giant Shein has opened its first physical store in the world in Paris, a day after French prosecutors said they were investigating the company over childlike sex dolls found on its online platform by the consumer watchdog. Shein promised to co-operate fully with authorities who are also investigating Temu, AliExpress and Wish. Shoppers queued to get into the store on the sixth floor of Paris department store BHV, while protesters screamed "Shame!" at them from the other side of the Rue de Rivoli. 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.

NurPhoto via Getty Images Protesters held up placards outside the BHV store and shouted "Shame!" at shoppers

Protests against the opening continued inside the store, and one person let off a foul-smelling spray. Fashion designer Agnès B said earlier 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 said it was not involved in the case and did not allow the sale of such items on its platform, although it told the BBC it was working with French authorities "to reinforce our minor protection mechanism". Wish has 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. 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.