Overview
- SGM confirmed on Instagram that Shein will open on Nov. 5 at 1:00 p.m. in a roughly 1,000 m2 space on the sixth floor of the BHV, which Frédéric Merlin touted as a “first worldwide” permanent store for the brand.
- Shein and SGM plan additional permanent stores in the coming weeks at Galeries Lafayette locations in Dijon, Reims, Grenoble, Angers and Limoges.
- Political and public opposition has intensified, with a petition surpassing 110,000 signatures, an inter-union protest on Oct. 10, and public concern voiced by Commerce Minister Serge Papin and Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo.
- The partnership has triggered concrete fallout for BHV and SGM, including partner brands exiting, the Banque des territoires withdrawing from talks on a property deal, Disneyland Paris canceling a Christmas tie-up, SGM’s exclusion from a retail trade group, and Galeries Lafayette refusing Shein placements in stores bearing its name.
- Regulatory pressure remains high after three French fines this year totaling €191 million, while industry leaders continue to condemn the venture, with the prêt-à-porter federation’s Yann Rivoallan denouncing Shein and alleging heavy job losses.