Overview
- Frédéric Merlin announced a delay of the planned Shein launches in Dijon, Reims, Grenoble, Angers and Limoges by a few days or weeks, with no new dates provided.
- He cited the need to manage large crowds, refine pricing, place larger orders and potentially expand spaces, while reaffirming the Shein partnership.
- Dior and Guerlain have left BHV Marais, and SMCP’s Sandro, Maje, Claudie Pierlot and Fursac are exiting, with SMCP also planning to leave SGM’s ex-Galeries Lafayette sites in the provinces.
- Departing brands point to repeated payment delays; Merlin denies debts for those groups even as he previously acknowledged arrears equivalent to 10–15 days of sales, or roughly €5–12 million.
- French authorities continue legal action over illicit items previously found on Shein’s platform, with a Paris court hearing set for 26 November, as Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo and local officials voice criticism and staff worry about the holiday period.