Shein Defends Business Model Before French Senate Amid Rising Scrutiny
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Shein defended its business model before the French Senate last week, arguing it provides affordable fashion for underserved consumers and supports local retail through a hybrid approach. Executives rejected claims that the fast-fashion giant harms traditional retail, saying the platform simply responds to shifting consumer demand.
During a 90-minute hearing on Jan. 21, senators pressed Shein on the “de-commercialization” of France’s city centers — a term increasingly used to describe how digital platforms offering inexpensive imported goods are hollowing out brick-and-mortar retail. The hearing followed the company’s controversial debut at Paris’s historic BHV Marais department store in November 2025, a move that triggered protests from local officials, residents and industry figures.
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- Shein defended its affordable, hybrid retail model before the French Senate amid criticism over supply chain opacity, environmental impact, tax compliance, and product safety.
- The company faced backlash following its 2025 Paris department store debut, with senators linking ultra-fast fashion to the decline of traditional retail and city centers.
- Shein reported over 25 million French users in early 2025, argued its digital model limits overproduction, and faces new EU environmental and customs regulations.
- Shein
- Shein, a fast-fashion giant, recently defended its business model before the French Senate. The company argued it provides affordable fashion, primarily to young French users outside major cities, and supports local retail through a hybrid approach. Shein faced scrutiny regarding its supply chain, environmental impact, tax compliance, and product safety concerns including a controversy over "child-like sex dolls."
- BHV Marais
- BHV Marais, also known as 法国巴黎百货公司, is a historic department store in Paris. In November 2025, it controversially hosted Shein, leading to protests from local officials and residents. Frédéric Merlin, co-founder of its parent company, defended Shein's presence, citing increased foot traffic and cross-purchases from other brands within the store.
- Société des Grands Magasins
- Société des Grands Magasins is the parent company of BHV, a historic department store in Paris that controversially hosted Shein in November 2025. Co-founder Frédéric Merlin defended Shein's presence, citing a significant increase in foot traffic at BHV, with nearly 30% of Shein customers also purchasing goods from other in-store brands.
- 2025：
- France passed legislation that will impose environmental penalties of up to 10 euros per fast-fashion item by 2030.
- First half of 2025：
- Shein had more than 25 million active French users, 95% of whom lived outside major cities.
- November 2025：
- Shein made its controversial debut at Paris’s BHV Marais department store, triggering protests from local officials, residents, and industry figures.
- November 2025：
- Shein was accused of selling child-like sex dolls, prompting official inspections; French customs officials seized about 100 parcels for additional review.
- January 21, 2026：
- A 90-minute hearing before the French Senate was held, where Shein executives defended the company’s business model and addressed key concerns raised by lawmakers.
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