Sex doll furore means trouble Shein store..

Paris outlet opens... then online access blocked

- SAMUEL PETREQUIN

CROWDS of shoppers and protesters - turned out yesterday for the opening of fast-fashion giant Shein's first permanent store in Paris inside one of the city's most iconic department stores.

Shortly afterward, France's government said it is suspending access to Shein’s online platform until the company proves that its content conforms with French law.

The decision, announced in a statement by the Finance Ministry, came after controversy over sex dolls with childlike features were found listed for sale on Shein's website.

The ministry did not say whether this could impact the physical store or elaborate on the reasons for its decision.

The launch of Shein, which has long drawn criticism over its poor green credentials and labour practices, in the heart of France’ fashion capital has triggered a backlash from environmental groups, Paris City Hall and France's readyto-wear industry.

Shein said earlier that it has banned all sex doll products, and temporarily removed its adult products category for review. The company has also launched an investigation to determine how the listings bypassed its screening measures.