Anger in Paris over opening of Shein's first permanent store

Shein, the online fast-fashion retailer, will open its first permanent, bricks-and-mortar store in the world in Paris this week, amid political outrage, fury from workers and warnings that it will damage the French capital's progressive image.

- Angelique Chrisafis

The Singapore-based clothing giant, which was founded in China, has grown a massive online market despite criticism over its factory working conditions and the environmental impact of low-cost, throwaway fashion.

Shein, which in the past has trialled temporary popup stores, will tomorrow open its first ever permanent shop on the sixth floor of Paris's prestigious BHV department store - a historic building that has stood opposite Paris city hall since 1856. There are about 23 million Shein customers in France, one of its biggest European markets.

But with vast banners for Shein draped across the building, the brand's arrival has sparked outrage over the promotion of fast-fashion.

The office of the French minister for small businesses said Shein's Paris presence sent “a bad signal that should be avoided.” Several leading independent French fashion brands have pulled their products from the BHV department store in protest.