Shein and Paris department store end controversial partnership

June 16, 2026 12:11 PM EDT

FILE PHOTO: A Shein logo is seen at the first physical space of Chinese online fast-fashion retailer Shein on its opening day inside the Le BHV Marais department store, the Bazar de l'Hotel de Ville, in Paris, France, November 5, 2025. REUTERS/Sarah Meyss

PARIS, June 16 (Reuters) - French ‌department store ​BHV ​and online fast-fashion retailer Shein have ended their partnership, just seven months after the opening of a permanent ‌Shein shop in the Paris department store triggered controversy ⁠and widespread criticism.

• Societe des Grands Magasins (SGM), which has operated BHV in Paris ‌since 2023, said it is ‌selling the Parisian department store to its current management team led by Karl-Stéphane Cottendin.

• Cottendin said BHV would end its ​partnership with Shein, describing it as a mistake, according to a spokesperson.

• BHV drew criticism for the tie-up with Shein ⁠because of the Singapore-based company's business model of rock-bottom pricing and sale of illegal ​products on its platform.

• Shein said in a statement that the collaboration with SGM was always been meant ​to be temporary.

• Shein's launch at ‌BHV in November was met with protests and on opening day, the French government launched an ⁠attempt to shut down its platform, later overturned by a Paris court

• Loyal Shein shoppers who had queued up for the launch were also ⁠underwhelmed by the store's offering, with many saying prices were much higher ​than on Shein's vast online platform, known for $5 dresses and $10 jeans

• SGM had been struggling before the Shein partnership, falling behind on payments to suppliers, ‌and the Shein launch caused many brands to leave the department store in protest

• Shein on ‌Tuesday said it respects BHV's decision but added that it was "regrettable" ⁠customers had to navigate ongoing ‌construction works in the ​department store

(Reporting by Inti Landauro and Helen Reid; Writing by Makini Brice; editing by Barbara Lewis and ‌Cynthia Osterman)



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