Shein to Open First Permanent Stores in France
Fast-fashion giant Shein has announced plans to open its first permanent physical outlets, selecting France as the launchpad for the move.
The retailer, best known for its low-cost, trend-driven clothing, will begin with concessions inside Paris department stores before expanding to five other cities – Dijon, Reims, Grenoble, Angers and Limoges. The outlets are being rolled out in partnership with French retail property operator Société des Grands Magasins (SGM), which manages department stores including BHV Marais and Galeries Lafayette.
Shein said France’s status as an “influential global fashion market” made it a natural choice to test physical retail. The company added that the initiative will create around 200 jobs and contribute to efforts to revitalise city centres.
The move marks a shift for the Singapore-headquartered brand, which has previously experimented with temporary pop-up shops in European cities but has relied mainly on its website and mobile app to reach customers.
The announcement comes just months after the French Senate passed a bill aimed at regulating the fast-fashion industry, including measures to sanction companies such as Shein and Temu and ban their advertising.
Founded in China in 2008, Shein ships to more than 150 countries but has faced repeated criticism over environmental concerns and supply chain practices. A 2024 investigation by Swiss advocacy group Public Eye reported that some supplier staff were working up to 75 hours a week despite promises by Shein to improve labour conditions.
