Overview
- Frédéric Merlin said openings slated for November 18 in Dijon and Reims, November 21 in Grenoble, and early December in Angers and Limoges will be pushed back by a few days or weeks, with no new dates announced.
- He cited the need to adjust assortment, floor space and pricing after strong traffic at the BHV Marais Shein area, which SGM reports drew over 50,000 visitors in its first days and now accounts for about half of fashion sales on that floor.
- The delay follows confirmed exits from BHV Marais by Dior, Guerlain and SMCP’s brands, with multiple tenants alleging repeated payment arrears as SGM denies owing those companies.
- SMCP said it will also withdraw from ex-Galeries Lafayette stores run by SGM in the regions, while local officials and merchants in cities such as Grenoble and Dijon express opposition to Shein’s plans.
- Shein removed illicit listings after government pressure and remains under judicial scrutiny in France, with a Paris court hearing set for November 26 and an Assembly hearing expected next week.